Nine arrested for cyber porn

The National Bureau of Investigation arrested nine people, including the manager of a computer shop in an uptown mall, for alleged involvement in cyber pornography.

Elements of the NBI Central Visayas led by special investigator Arnel Pura raided Ex Web Application System located at the ground floor of Mango Square Mall in Mango Avenue, Cebu City, at 10:00 a.m. yesterday armed with a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court judge Meinrado Paredes.

The computer shop is allegedly engaged in the advertisement and distribution, through the use of information technology, and Internet use promoting trafficking in persons, in violation of the Republic Act 9208 otherwise known as Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

The NBI operatives said the shop is engaged in cyber pornography such as selling of pictures and video of nude women to Japan. Arrested during the raid were Charito Amores, the manager who also serves as Japanese interpreter; Liza Camposano, web developer; Amelia Tato, accounting in-charge; and programmers Francis Toñacao, Bal Fernandez, Harold Kim Cartil, Desiree Ababon, Jose Barte and Renante Entera.

The NBI also confiscated six computers, web cameras and other computer gadgets used in the alleged illegal business.

The suspects however denied having engaged in cyber pornography, claiming that they are legitimate computer programmers. According to them, they are making programs for some companies in Japan who are outsourcing computer programs from the Philippines because it is allegedly very expensive in Japan.

On the contrary, NBI agents Florante Gaoiran and Gregorio Tumagan Jr. said they have discreetly investigated the shop and have found evidence that it is engaged in illegal activities.

The suspects are detained at the NBI headquarters while charges are set to be filed against them today. - Fred P. Languido