The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) will probe controversial vlogger Rendon Labador for possible privacy violations after the latter live-streamed its operation against a company allegedly involved in online lending applications in Makati City.
Rendon Labador
According to the ACG, it has collaborated with the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Center (PAOCC) to hold the police operation on Golden Koi on Oct. 20. The operation was conducted by virtue of a court-issued warrant.
"In the spirit of transparency, we granted media access to the operation in accordance with existing police operational protocol and without compromising the operation's integrity. Major media networks, including vbloggers, were given limited access to cover the operation with utmost consideration for their personal safety," the ACG said.
"It's important to clarify that media, including the renowned vblogger, Rendon, were allowed access only after the execution of the operation. Rendon and other media representatives were present as reporters and vbloggers, similar to any other media personnel. Rendon's presence, along with major networks like ABS-CBN and GMA7, ensured comprehensive coverage," it added.
After the raid, Labador started to live-stream the police operation on his Facebook page with the caption "caught in the act", earning the ire of the company employees' families and relatives. According to them, the vlogger's video showed the faces of their relatives and his caption implied that they were already guilty.
The ACG said it had earlier advised the employees to cover their faces while the operation was being conducted.
"Addressing concerns about the potential violation of privacy committed by Rendon, we will thoroughly investigate this matter. If any violation is confirmed, we will take appropriate and corrective action," the ACG stressed.
"During interviews with GMA7, ABS-CBN, and Rendon, we also made sure to capture our own video footage, which can be shared with other networks that may have arrived later," it added.
The police group also clarified that its collaboration with Labador is unrelated to the operation.
"In terms of our collaboration with Rendon, it's essential to clarify that this partnership is unrelated to the recent operation. The PNP ACG actively collaborates with various agencies and businesses, such as GCASH, Maya, Globe, Smart, PLDT, PNB, DMW (formerly POEA), and SCAM Watch Philippines (a social media page). Together, we work on public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the evolving tactics of scammers. We welcome anyone willing to collaborate with the PNP ACG in our efforts to reach a wider audience and keep the public informed and vigilant," the group explained.
The ACG said it remains committed to its mission of combating cybercrime and in ensuring the public's safety and awareness.