Two women were arrested in an entrapment operation in Cubao, Quezon City, on Wednesday, May 20, after allegedly extorting money from a man using explicit videos secretly recorded during an online-arranged massage service.
Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Police Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said operatives of the Cubao Police Station (PS 7) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) arrested alias “Mary Grace” and alias “Kharen,” while alias “Liza” remains at large.
Investigation showed that the victim booked a massage service online, where alias “Liza” allegedly offered an extra service before the victim reportedly fell asleep.
Authorities said the suspects allegedly recorded the victim’s private acts without his consent and took his personal electronic gadgets during the incident.
Police said the victim was later threatened with the uploading of explicit materials on social media unless he paid money, prompting him to initially hand over P45,000.
The victim later sought assistance from the CICC and PS 7, leading to a coordinated entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of alias “Mary Grace” in front of a gym at Manhattan Heights Tower A in Araneta City, Barangay Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City.
During the operation, alias “Kharen” allegedly attempted to flee to their rented condominium unit in Araneta City but was later arrested by responding operatives.
Police also recovered assorted drug paraphernalia from alias “Kharen,” who was found to have a previous arrest record for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The suspects will face charges for robbery-extortion under Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code, while an additional charge for violation of Republic Act 9165 will also be filed against alias “Kharen” before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
Silvio said the QCPD continues to coordinate with cybercrime enforcement partners to curb crimes involving online platforms. He urged the public to immediately report suspicious online activities to authorities.