No ‘sextortion’ reported in CV, authorities say

CEBU, Philippines - Local authorities said they have not spotted any activity in Central Visayas relating to the so-called “sextortion.”

“Actually, diri sa atoa sa Region 7, wala pa tay complaints and also reports nga nadawat nga duna dinhi sa ato’ng area…labi na gyud diri sa Metro Cebu, labi na sa lugar nga kusog ang turismo,” said Regional Intelligence Division head Supt. Paul Labra III. 

This does not mean, however, that the activity does not exist because there may be cases that are simply unreported.

 â€œPero ako nagduda nga nay insidente nga nahitabo pero wala lang mo-complain ang biktima,” he said.

Labra said he has ordered all intelligence units in the region to keep an open eye.

In Cebu province, The Provincial Intelligence Branch has coordinated with the Anti-Cybercrime Group-7 specifically to track possible “extortion”-related activities.

 â€œWalay existing crime here which is the same in northern Philippines but we advised all stations to verify their respective area of responsibility,” Supt. Rodulfo Albotra Jr. told The FREEMAN.

Albotra further said the crime is considered a private crime, which is difficult to detect by authorities so cooperation from the public is very important.

Discussions on the issue brewed here after the Philippine National Police and Interpol cracked a “sextortion” syndicate in different “call centers” in Bicol, Bulacan, Laguna and in Taguig City in Luzon. Fifty-eight people were arrested during the crackdown.

The modus reportedly involves the suspect using a fictitious account in a website or in a social networking site and lure clients to post pornographic images of themselves or lure them further into sexual video conversations. The suspect then records the conversation and use the material to blackmail the victim in exchange for money.

In the case in Luzon, the victims were allegedly threatened to be exposed online if they would not pay at least $500 and up to $2,000 through a money forwarder.

Authorities hatched the crackdown after a 17-year-old British National Daniel Perry committed suicide reportedly because of a supposed blackmail.

The US Homeland Security and authorities of the United Kingdom, Singapore, Scotland, and Hong Kong supported the operation. — (FREEMAN)