Syrian man sought for sextortion, robbery

Authorities are searching for a Syrian man who was initially reported for alleged sextortion and is also a suspect of robbery.

According to Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, Mark (not his real name) said he met the Syrian man via an online dating app.

The 27-year-old victim said their bonding was going well at first when he met the foreigner face to face, but he was caught off guard when a large man suddenly appeared behind the car they were riding in.

Mark said the large man grabbed his neck and tied him up while the Syrian took his belongings before he was released.

The stolen items include his cellphone and money. He later found out the car's plate number was fake.

On Tuesday, two Filipino women reported the same man for sextortion before the Philippine National Police Anti-Cyber Crime Group.

The victims said they had a romantic relationship with the suspect, after meeting him at a school in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, where he said he was studying medicine.

Alma (not her real name), one of the victims, said the Syrian told her that he would send a fake video to her family if she failed to give him P500,000.

Meanwhile, Lily (not her real name) said the incident caused her stress and exhaustion.

Mark advised the public to be cautious with the person they are meeting online.

Police also reminded the public to be careful when using dating apps to avoid being victims of people with ill intentions. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News