A man accused of threatening to spread explicit photos of a 15-year-old minor was arrested in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.
The suspect was caught in the act inside a church where he arranged a meeting to demand money from the victim’s mother in exchange of him deleting the photos.
The suspect allegedly demanded P8,000.
He reportedly insisted on meeting at the church to make the transaction appear more credible.
“Nanghihingi ng P8,000 kapalit ng pagde-delete niya harapan doon sa nude pics... Para raw maniwala ang nanay, sa loob pa ng simbahan sila magbabayaran,” Atty. Yuri Beltran, Chief of NBI Cabanatuan, said.
Authorities learned that the suspect had met the victim on social media and extorted money when he started having financial problems with his tricycle business.
Authorities did not disclose whether the victim is a boy or a girl. They suspect there may be others.
“Mahigpit na payo ni Director Santiago na bantayan yung mga ganitong mga kaso lalo na ang exploitation ng minors, kaya... magkakaroon kami ng follow-up operation para malaman kung sino pa ang naging biktima,” Beltran said.
The suspect faces multiple charges, including robbery and violation of the cybercrime law.
Authorities urged parents and guardians to monitor their children's social media activities.
“Yung mga magulang, bantayan yung mga activities ng mga anak nila sa Social media. Kung kahina-hinala, matamlay na yung anak nila at kakaiba na ang ikinikilos, kausapin na nila at baka nabibiktima na ng ganitong scam,” Beltran said.