ANTIQUE — A 22-year-old man was arrested in an entrapment operation after allegedly threatening to leak his girlfriend’s private photos and videos if she broke up with him.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Ken,” 22, a resident of Barangay San Pedro, San Jose de Buenavista town, was apprehended on June 5 by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6 (RACU-6) in coordination with the Antique Provincial Response Team and the San Jose Municipal Police Station.
The 18-year-old victim, alias “Tin,” 18, an incoming first-year college student from Barangay Magcalon, sought assistance from authorities on June 5. She reported that the suspect was using her private photos and videos as leverage to prevent here from ending their relationship.
“Upon receiving the complaint, we immediately conducted an entrapment operation which resulted in the successful arrest of the suspect,” said RACU-6 chief Police Lt. Col. Richard Adonis Habawel.
He said the alleged threats constitute a serious form of coercion and online abuse, prompting authorities to act swiftly to protect the victim and prevent the possible dissemination of intimate materials.
The entrapment operation was carried out later that day in Barangay San Pedro.
On June 6, charges were filed against the suspect for violations of Article 286 of the Revised Penal Code or Grave Coercion, Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, and offenses related to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.
The court has recommended a bail bond of P165,000 for the suspect’s temporary release.
Habawel further disclosed that the victim and suspect had reportedly been in a relationship for four years.
“Based on the information gathered, the relationship started when the victim was still 14 years old. Because of this, we are looking into other possible violations that may arise depending on the outcome of the forensic examination of the cellphone seized from the suspect,” Habawel said.
He added that investigators are examining the device for additional evidence.
In light of the incident, Habawel urged the public, particularly minors and young adults, to exercise caution when creating or sharing intimate content online.
“We remind everyone to be very careful with sensitive photos and videos because these can be used for exploitation, blackmail, or other forms of abuse,” Habawel said.
RACU-6 likewise encouraged victims of cyber-related threats and online exploitation to immediately seek assistance from authorities and report such incidents./PN
