Man allegedly offering “special services” nabbed  

CEBU, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI-CEVRO) arrested a man allegedly involved in an online prostitution operation disguised as a home-service massage service following an investigation and entrapment operation.

The suspect, identified by the NBI as Edgar Escoto Baquilid, a nursing aide, is currently under the custody of NBI-CEVRO pending inquest proceedings for alleged violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The NBI said the investigation began last July 13 after a concerned citizen reported suggestive advertisements posted on a local Facebook community page.

Investigating Agent Maria Contessa Lastimoso verified the report and found that several advertisements offering massage services appeared inconsistent with legitimate therapeutic practices, as they focused more on physical descriptions than professional qualifications.

During the investigation, NBI-CEVRO said it also received complaints from at least three men alleging that Baquilid offered illicit services through social media.

Some of the complainants further alleged Baquilid secretly recorded their encounters without their consent and later used the videos to extort money from them. One complainant reportedly lost nearly ?6,000, according to the NBI.

"Apparently, they would take videos and photos and eventually they would go back to the client and blackmail, so it has been a platform of extortion also," Lastimoso said, adding that under R.A. 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act), even with consent, people should have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

She said the rates being offered allegedly ranged from ?3,500 to ?6,000, while clients were also asked to shoulder the cost of hotel accommodation where the services would supposedly be rendered.

An NBI operative contacted Baquilid as part of an undercover operation and Baquilid allegedly offered various non-traditional services at different price rates during the exchange.

The bureau said an entrapment operation was conducted after the operative received explicit materials and an offer of illicit services from Baquilid, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

Asked about the allegations, Baquilid denied offering illegal services, saying clients were the ones requesting such acts.

“Sideline ra g’yud nga masahe, pero dili g’yud mag-offer og ingon-ana. Ang client ra man gud maoy ga-ano ana… ga-ask bitaw. Maong maka-send mi’g mga ingon-ana,” Baquilid said.

He also disputed the amount allegedly being charged, saying he only asked for ?699.

The suspect claimed it was a friend who advised him to advertise through online community pages. He also told reporters that he operates a flower business and works as a nursing aide by profession.

Authorities, however, maintained that evidence gathered during the investigation supported the filing of charges.

Lastimoso said the offense carries a recommended bail of ?120,000 and that conviction may mete six to 12 years imprisonment and a fine ranging from ?200,000 to ?1 million, as provided under the law.

The NBI said based on their investigation, there was no indication minors were involved in the alleged operation, adding that all identified complainants and individuals linked to the case were adults.

The bureau also cited the continuing rise in HIV infections as one of its concerns, saying illegal activities of this nature may contribute to the spread of sexually transmitted infections if left unchecked.

Investigators also disclosed that the Facebook group where the advertisements allegedly appeared was identified as "Habal-habal Cebu Riders."

NBI-CEVRO agent head of operations Atty. Wenceslao Galindez said that investigators found similar advertisements to be widespread on social media.

"If you look online, join the group, you could see nga rampant kaayo siya here in the city," he said.

Galindez said authorities also received information from their counterparts in Cagayan de Oro regarding the suspect's background, although he did not elaborate further.

The NBI-CEVRO said it will continue monitoring online platforms and community groups to prevent the misuse of social media for unlawful activities and urgedg the public to report suspicious online transactions to authorities. (FREEMAN)