The Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-ACG) urged women to exercise extra caution in using comfort rooms following the arrest of a man who secretly installed a small camera inside the female restroom of a school in Bicol region.
PNP-ACG director Maj. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga said the 32-year old suspect was arrested in an entrapment after he started forcing his victim to meet him in a hotel in exchange for deleting the nude photos and videos.
Cariaga said the victim made the right decision to seek police assistance when the suspects demanded that they meet.
During the investigation, the victim told the ACG probers that she was surprised when she received a message via a messaging app of a photo from the suspect.
She said the suspect is her former coworker and apparently installed a hidden camera inside the restroom.
“According to the victim, the suspect contacted her on Telegram, claiming to have nude photos and videos of her. He sent a photo with the message, ‘Sorry, sana hindi ikaw yan’ (Sorry, I hope that's not you),” said Cariaga.
The suspect then repeatedly harassed and threatened her and even demanded more nude videos. He also insisted on meeting at a hotel in exchange for deleting the explicit materials.
“These actions caused the victim severe anxiety and sleepless nights, prompting her to report the incident to Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 5,” said Cariaga.
The suspect was collared at an apartelle in Iriga City and is now facing charges of violation of Article 286 (Grave Coercion) of the Revised Penal Code, RA 9995 (Anti Photo and Video Voyeurism Act), and Section 12 of the Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), both in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
Police are now conducting investigation if there are other victims.
Cariaga assured the public that the PNP ACG is fully prepared to take swift action against online offenders.
"If you know someone affected by, or if you are experiencing, online abuse or harassment, do not hesitate to report it to the nearest PNP ACG office for immediate assistance. We are available 24/7 to support and protect you," said Cariaga.