Ex-Batangas vice governor nabbed in police raid at Pasig home

Members of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group have arrested former Batangas Vice Governor Richard "Ricky" Recto in connection with alleged violence against women and illegal possession of firearms.

According to Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, police raided the Pasig City residence of Recto over the weekend due to a complaint from his ex-girlfriend.

Philippine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) spokesperson Police Lieutenant Michelle Sabino said Recto allegedly threatened to spread the complainant’s private photos if she would not give in to his requests.

“So allegedly medyo sinasaktan siya…  Kaya siya napunta sa ACG kasi mayroon photos and videos that the suspect is threatening to expose,” Sabino said.

(So allegedly, she was being hurt… So she went to ACG because there are photos and videos that the suspect is threatening to expose.)

Sabino said this prompted the PNP-ACG to ask the court for a warrant to search, seize and examine the computer data.

“Gadgets ang aming pakay. 'Yung containing ng videos na magpapatunay para lumakas ang kaso namin,” Sabino said.

(Our main target was his gadgets, those that contain videos that will prove to strengthen our case.)

Police seized the the gadgets, which are now subject to forensic analysis.

Illegal possession of firearms

The arresting team also discovered several firearms in Recto’s house. Five were found to have no license.

“So, during the implementation of warrant, nakita doon scattered all over the place yung mga baril,” Sabino said.

(So, during the implementation of the warrant, the firearms were seen scattered all over the place.)

The suspect was presented to an online inquest proceeding this morning.

GMA News is trying to get Recto’s comment as of posting time. —Mel Matthew Doctor/NB, GMA News