On July 22, 2025, at about 7:00 PM in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, operatives of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 13 of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group, (ACG) conducted an entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of a 20-year-old man, alias “Rem,” for threatening and extorting a 17-year-old girl.

The operation was initiated following a report filed by the victim’s mother with RACU 13. Based on the investigation, the victim’s social media account containing private conversations and intimate photos and videos of her and her boyfriend had been compromised by an unknown hacker. Eventually, these sensitive materials ended up in the possession of the suspect and were used to threaten and extort the minor victim.

The suspect contacted the minor and allegedly demanded Php5,000.00 and sexual favors in exchange for not spreading the explicit materials online. To pressure the victim, he sent a copy of one of the files to prove that he had indeed accessed the account and had the possession of explicit materials.This prompted the victim and her mother to report to RACU 13 which led to the entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspect.

The suspect is facing charges for violations of Articles 286 (Grave Coercion) and 294 (Robbery with Intimidation of Persons) of the Revised Penal Code, RA No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act of 2019), and RA 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children or OSAEC and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials or CSAEM Act of 2022), all in relation to Section 6 of RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

The operation aligns with the directive of Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, Chief of the PNP, to strengthen cyber patrolling and take immediate legal action to ensure that cybercriminals do not have a place on social media platforms.

Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director of the PNP ACG, commended the Unit for its successful operation. He also reminded the public, stating, “Stay vigilant and never tolerate any form of coercion. If you are a victim of online abuse, report it immediately to the nearest ACG office so we can take swift action and bring offenders to justice.”