CNN —Sixteen children allegedly abused in the Philippines have been rescued after Australian police found sexually explicit material on the phone of a man arrested in Sydney. The investigation began in January when the Australian Border Force intercepted a Queensland man, 56, as he returned to Sydney from the Philippines, the statement said. After searching his phone, the ABF found child abuse material and messages detailing his intent to pay a facilitator who would enable him to sexually abuse children in the Philippines. The man was charged with three offenses including grooming and possession of child abuse material, which carry a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. “We must collaborate with our international partners, such as the AFP, to arrest offenders and rescue child victims,” she said.

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