The Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-ACG) advised the public to delete all photos, videos and other information from their cellphones before selling or swapping them.

Better yet, PNP-ACG director Ronnie Francis Cariaga said lovers, especially women, should refrain from allowing their partners to shoot photos and videos of their intimate moments.

Cariaga issued the statement after the arrest of a cell phone store worker who threatened a female minor that he would spread her nude photos and videos if she would not send him money.

Citing a report from the Women and Children Cybercrime Protection Unit (WCCPU) of the PNP-ACG, Cariaga said the suspect was arrested in an entrapment in Payatas, Quezon City. 

“The suspect obtained these materials from the old phone of the minor victim’s ex-boyfriend which was swapped for a new one in a cellphone tiangge,” said Cariaga.

The suspect is now facing charges for violations of RA 7610 (Child Abuse), Article 294 (Robbery with Intimidation of Person) of the Revised Penal Code, and RA 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009), all in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) and Section 4(c) (O) and (r) of RA 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act).

Cariaga underscored the importance of safeguarding personal data when selling or exchanging devices, particularly mobile phones and emphasized the necessity of thoroughly erasing all data, logging out of backup accounts, and performing a factory reset.  

“These precautions are vital to ensure that the new owner cannot gain access to any private information,” said Cariaga.