On July 22, 2025, at 3:44 PM, in Paniqui, Tarlac, operatives of the Tarlac Provincial Cyber Response Team conducted an entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old man, alias “Duke,” for harassing and extorting a woman through a social media platform.

The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a 37-year-old businesswoman, alias “Ella,” against the suspect at the Tarlac PCRT. According to Ella, she had been in a relationship with the suspect for a year, but she ended it in 2024 due the latter’s abusive behavior. After the breakup, the suspect allegedly began demanding money from her. When she refused, he would post online defamatory statements about her. Despite her pleas, the suspect continued harassing her.

On July 22, 2025, Duke allegedly demanded Php30,000.00 from the victim in exchange for ceasing the harassment and refraining from posting further malicious content about her. When she refused, he reportedly began messaging her friends and family, spreading false and damaging accusations tarnishing her reputation.

The suspect later asked for a Php4,000 down payment to be handed over in person. This prompted the victim to report to the Tarlac PCRT that led to the entrapment operation.

“Duke” is facing charges for violations of Articles 282 (Grave Threats) and 294 (Robbery with Intimidation against Person) of the Revised Penal Code and RA No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004), both 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 ACG, commended the operatives of the Tarlac PCRT ACG 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.”