The National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI 7) arrested a 36-year-old nursing aide after he allegedly used social media to offer sexual services disguised as massage therapy.
The suspect was arrested on July 20 through an entrapment operation after NBI 7 monitored online advertisements allegedly posted in Facebook groups catering to Cebu users. He is detained at the NBI 7 facility while awaiting inquest proceedings for alleged violation of Section 4(c)(1) of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
NBI 7 said the investigation started after a citizen reported suspicious advertisements on July 13. Surveillance conducted on July 16 and 17 led investigators to an account allegedly offering massage services and arranging appointments through private messages.
Investigating Agent Maria Contessa DC. Lastimoso said the posts caught investigators’ attention because they focused on physical attributes rather than massage qualifications.
She said NBI 7 also received three complaints from individuals who claimed they were secretly recorded during private encounters and later threatened with the release of the recordings.
“Remember under RA 9995, even with consent, you have a reasonable expectation of privacy,” Lastimoso said.
NBI 7 Executive Officer for Operations Atty. Wenceslao Galindez said the case was developed after authorities validated complaints and information gathered online.
“There were complaints. We heard information through online and eventually we developed the case that led to the entrapment operation,” Galindez said.
Authorities said clients allegedly paid between P3,500 and P6,000 for the services, while hotel expenses were reportedly shouldered by customers.
The suspect denied regularly engaging in the alleged activity, saying, “Talagsa ra ko ani, Sir. Once in a blue moon ra ko ani, Sir.”
He also disputed the alleged rates, claiming he only charged P699, and said a friend encouraged him to advertise online.
He claimed he works as a nursing aide and operates a flower business.
NBI 7 said the offense carries a recommended bail of P120,000 and may result in six to 12 years imprisonment and fines of P200,000 to P1 million upon conviction.
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