On July 23, 2025, at about 10:30 AM in Canelar, Zamboanga City, operatives of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 9 (RACU 9) conducted an entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of a 29-year-old man, alias “Abdul,” for harassing and coercing a woman using explicit photos and videos.

The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a 25-year-old woman against the suspect whom she met online and eventually entered into a virtual relationship with him. During their interactions, the suspect persistently pressured her to expose her private parts during video calls. Believing it to be part of their intimate relationship and to satisfy his demands, the victim complied, unaware that he was secretly recording the encounters without her consent.

On July 15, 2025, the suspect asked the victim to meet in person for sexual activity. However, when the victim refused, he used one of the recorded nude videos to blackmail her. The threats escalated as he continued to coerce her into further acts, including showing more of her body on camera against her will. As the suspect’s coercive actions persisted, the victim sought assistance from RACU 9.

“Abdul” is facing charges for violations of Article 286 (Grave Coercion) of the Revised Penal Code, RA No. 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009), and RA No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004), all in relation to Section 6 of RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

This operation supports the pillars of Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, Chief of the PNP, to ensure that anti-cybercrime laws are fully implemented and violators are promptly penalized. Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), commended the operatives for the successful operation. He also stressed to the public, “We call on everyone to stay vigilant, to never tolerate any form of coercion or threats, and to report such incidents to the nearest ACG office so we can act swiftly and hold offenders accountable.”