Two women were arrested in Quezon City for allegedly extorting money from a man by threatening to release an explicit video secretly recorded during a massage session.
Police Lt. Col. Joy Leanza, commander of the Cubao Police Station, said one of the suspects, identified only as alias “Bebang,” allegedly recorded the victim without his knowledge during an “extra service” booked through a home massage service in Sta. Mesa, Manila on May 21.
Police said the suspects also allegedly stole the victim’s iPad after he fell asleep following the session.
When the victim woke up, the suspects allegedly demanded P45,000 and threatened to upload the explicit video on social media if he refused to pay.
The victim sought help from the PNP Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, which launched a follow-up operation that led authorities to Cubao, Quezon City.
Investigators said the suspects later demanded another P8,000 in exchange for returning the victim’s tablet. Police intensified the operation and tailed a delivery rider who was allegedly tasked to retrieve the device.
Authorities eventually arrested alias “Bebang” and another suspect, identified as alias “Marimar,” in Cubao.
Leanza said “Marimar” allegedly acted as a spotter during the transaction and later tried to flee by hiding inside a nearby rented condominium unit.
“Kasi kasama ng suspek natin during the transaction. Ang naging role niya is siya ang naging spotter,” Leanza said.
When police entered the unit, they allegedly found sachets of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia on a sofa.
“Nakalatag lang sa sofa. It’s worth P2,000,” Leanza said, adding that “Marimar” had a previous drug-related case.
Police said one of the suspects allegedly admitted using illegal drugs before the operation.
Authorities are still looking for another alleged accomplice believed to have provided the massage and “extra service” to the victim.
The arrested suspects face robbery-extortion charges, along with additional complaints for illegal drugs.