CIDG seeks US help in probe of Ramgen sex video upload

MANILA, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has asked the help of the US State Department to find out who uploaded the sex video of Ramgen Bautista and Janelle Manahan on the social networking site Facebook last month.

Senior Superintendent Christopher Laxa, CIDG deputy director for operations, said investigators sent a letter of request to US Department of State.

“The main office of Facebook is in the US, outside the jurisdiction of the CIDG. So we really need the assistance of the US government,” he said.

Once the US government responds, Laxa said all individuals who uploaded and downloaded the videos will be included in the filing of charges.

Manahan filed complaints against the mother and siblings of her slain boyfriend, Ramgen, for allegedly being behind the uploading of their sex video clip to the Internet last Dec. 30. Laxa said the case will fall under the violation of Republic Act 9995, which seeks to penalize photo and video voyeurism.

Meanwhile, a Parañaque City prosecutor rejected a request of Ramona Bautista, accused of masterminding her brother’s murder, to investigate Ramgen’s aide, Ronaldo Ancajas.

Assistant City Prosecutor Leah Roma said she junked the request because Ramona, instead of filing a separate complaint, included her accusation in her counter-affidavit. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Aie Balagtas See