ACG to probe vlogger for livestreaming raid

MANILA, Philippines — The police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) will investigate the involvement of vlogger Rendon Labrador for livestreaming a raid on an online lending company in Makati City on Oct. 20.

The operation, covered by a court-authorized warrant, was carried out in collaboration with the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the ACG said in a statement yesterday.

The ACG said that it gave access to members of media and vloggers to the raid on the office of Golden Koi Lending Co. Inc., wherein 247 of its employees were rounded up for allegedly harassing clients who fail to pay their loans on time.

Labrador, who was present during the operation, documented the raid on his Facebook Live video. His caption read that the employees in the video were “caught in the act.”

The relatives of some employees seen in the video said the caption implied that they were guilty, according to the ACG.

The ACG had advised the employees seen on Labador’s livestream to cover their faces.

“It’s important to clarify that media, including the renowned vlogger, Rendon, were allowed access only after the execution of the operation,” the ACG said.

Addressing concerns on potential privacy violations by Labrador, the ACG vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

“If any violations are confirmed, appropriate corrective measures will be taken,” it said.

The ACG also clarified that the partnership with Labrador is unrelated to the operation and was only aimed at advocating for ordinary people’s rights.