MANILA: A 22-year-old repairman was arrested in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, for allegedly taking and spreading the sex videos of two Grade 11 students when he fixed one of their cellphones, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) said on Wednesday (Feb 11).
The suspect, identified only as Edu, was taken into custody after the videos were found on his phone following an operation through a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data on Jan 29, ACG Director Brig Gen Wilson Asueta told reporters in Camp Crame.
One of the victims, Apple, 17, took her phone to the repairman to have it fixed earlier last January, according to the ACG. The phone contained videos of her and her partner, Mark, also 17, engaging in sexual acts.
“Before the repairman returned the phone, he first went through its contents. When he returned it, after several days, the victims’ videos were spread out among the barangay, the family, and the school,” Asueta said in Filipino.
At the briefing, ACG spokesperson Lt Wallen Mae Arancillo further detailed that the suspect allegedly took a video of himself watching the videos.
“He posted it on social media. He said there, ‘Who wants a sex video? Private message me,” he said in Filipino.
This prompted both victims to lodge a complaint with the Caraga Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit, which then applied for and obtained the warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data for the suspect’s home.
Edu is currently held at the Jabonga Municipal Police Station, awaiting charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.
Asueta said that the police are investigating whether Edu had previously done a similar act to other clients.
According to the ACG director, the police coordinated with the local social welfare office for the proper disposition of the two minors who remain under their parents’ custody.
“Don’t have your phone repaired by anybody you don’t know. Have it fixed with a reputable repair shop. Don’t leave your cellphone if you’re having it repaired,” Asueta said in Filipino.
“If able, remove your SIM card and delete all explicit videos and pictures there, as well as valuable personal information. Transfer them first before you have your phone repaired,” he added. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
