On June 20, 2025, at about 1:40 PM in Kabacan, North Cotabato, operatives of the Cotabato Provincial Cyber Response Unit conducted an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of a 27-year-old pest technician, alias “Dex,” for extortion through a social media platform.

The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a 48-year-old man, alias “Daniel,” who reported being harassed and extorted by the suspect. According to the victim, the suspect threatened to publicly disclose allegations of molestation against him unless he paid Php100,000.00. Additionally, the latter threatened to damage the victim’s reputation by spreading malicious accusations on social media if his demands were not met.

“Dex” is facing charges for violation of Article 294 (Robbery with Intimidation of Persons) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

This operation supports the directives of Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, Chief of the PNP, to ensure that 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.”