Phone technician in Agusan del Norte nabbed for leaking video of minors

A 22-year-old cellphone technician was arrested in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte after authorities found explicit videos of minors on his mobile device, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said Wednesday.

Based on the police report, the suspect identified as “Edu” was arrested during the implementation of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data on January 29.

The operation stemmed from a complaint by a 17-year-old Grade 11 student “Apple”. 

She said her boyfriend “Mark,” 15-year-old Grade 11 student, had brought his cellphone to the suspect for repair. The device contained explicit videos of the two minors.

A few days after the phone was repaired and returned, the explicit video allegedly began circulating on social media, the ACG said.

An anonymous Facebook account posted in a group page in Agusan del Norte offering a sex video and mentioning the names of the minors.

Another video also circulated showing a recording of the explicit clip being played from the boy’s phone. The suspect was also seen holding a cellphone and recording.

“Baka meron siyang hidden agenda na ipakalat 'yung videos na ito. Ito ay nagdulot ng matinding kahihiyan, pangamba, at stress sa ating mga biktima,” ACG acting Director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta said in a media briefing at Camp Crame.

A digital forensic examiner checked the suspect’s phone and discovered explicit videos involving the minors, which are classified as child sexual abuse or exploitation materials.

The discovery of such materials led to the suspect’s arrest, according to the ACG.

“Kung kayo magpa-repair, bantayan ninyo at huwag kayong magtiwala na iwanan ang cellphone unless nalinis ninyo cellphone ninyo bago ninyo iparepair at iwanan,” Asueta reminded the public. 

Charges have been filed against the suspect for violation of the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

Police said the suspect is currently under the custody of the Jabonga Municipal Police Station. —AOL, GMA Integrated News