Status and Ongoing Challenges in Combating the Sexual Abuse of Minors

Police Brigadier General Sheila Templonuevo Portento? Chief, Women and Children Protection Center, Philippine National Police

PBGEN MARIA SHEILA T. PORTENTO, of PNPA Kaagapay Class of 1996, has served the PNP for 29 years. A native of Legazpi City, she is married to PCOL Edwin Portento of Boac, Marinduque, and they have three children. She holds degrees in Nursing (Bicol University), Public Safety (PNPA), and a Master’s in Public Management (DAP). She began her career in DPRM and Finance Service before shifting to investigation after completing the Public Safety Officers Senior Executive Course in 2017. As Chief of the WCPC Anti-Trafficking Division, she led 104 operations, rescuing 887 victims and arresting 138 suspects, including the high-profile rescue of 27 Filipinas trafficked in Malaysia. An advocate for women and children’s protection, she regularly speaks on trafficking and OSAEC. In 2022, she became Chief of the School for Investigation, later Assistant Dean and then Dean of Academics at PNPA, leading to her promotion to Police Brigadier General in April 2025. She has also represented the PNP and the Philippines in international platforms for child protection.