Alleged cyberporn in Tejero, CIDG-7 to hold digital forensic exams

CEBU, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 wants to take custody of the items confiscated from a suspected cyber pornography operator during a raid in Barangay Tejero last Monday.

CIDG-7 deputy chief, Supt. Fermin Armendarez III, said a formal motion will be filed to seek the court’s permission to undertake forensic digital examinations on the computers seized from the house of Nathalie Mendiola.

CIDG-7 operatives raided Mendiola’s house Monday evening based on a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Manuel Patalinghug for alleged cyberporn operation. A minor allegedly complained that Mendiola took nude pictures of her.

Based on the affidavit of the nine-year-old complainant, she was allegedly ordered by Mendiola to have the P1,000 changed. After which, Mendiola commented that she was already dirty and told her to take a bath.

 While the second-grade student was taking a bath, Mendiola reportedly entered the comfort room, carrying a towel and a camera. She then requested the child to pose.

 “Pagkahuman og kaligo, gipasaka ko niya sa taas unya iya na sad ko gi-picture-ran,” the complainant said, adding that Mendiola included taking a photo of her private part. The girl was then given P500 and was told to go home.

When the complainant told her father that Mendiola gave her money after what happened, they immediately reported the incident to the barangay.

 “Wa man ko moreklamo pag-picture. Giingnan ko niya na ayaw saba sa lain. Ato ra ni,” the complainant told the media.

 Mendiola denied the allegations, saying she was not engaged in any illegal activity particularly taking photos of nude girls.

 Mendiola’s mother, Erlinda, said her daughter is not involved in any illegal activity.  Erlinda said they are engaged in surplus business.

 “Dili intawn tinuod naay hubo-hubo. Uwaw kaayo. Tarong ang among panginabuhi. Naningkamot mi para ma-improve among kahimtang. Gipasanginlan ra na siya kay naa’y naglagot sa amo,” Erlinda said.

Barangay captain Jessielou Cadungog said that Mendiola’s attention was already called twice.

The first instance happened before the recent case and was settled. The second complaint resulted in the implementation of the search warrant.

 “Ang atong mga silingan mahibong nga naa sila’y income. Showy sa pagpatukod og balay nga three storey unya karon naa na pud gitukod nga dorm,” he said.

The police, however, did not find nude pictures of the minor during the raid. For lack of evidence, the police failed to arrest Mendiola.

 Armendarez said the computers seized from the house of Mendiola will be turned over to the court but they will ask to take custody of the items.

According to Armendarez, they need to conduct forensic examinations which would last for a week to determine if the computers were used in cyberporn operation.

Armendarez said the items will be returned to Mendiola if they find nothing after digital forensic examinations. — (FREEMAN)