A thief who tried to return a stolen cellphone in exchange for sex with the victim was arrested in an entrapment operation of the Virac police station last week.
The 18-year-old suspect, also a student, was nabbed at 7:45 PM of Aug. 15, 2024 in barangay San Isidro Village, a day or so after communicating with the victim, an 18-year-old female student at an undisclosed school.
In its report, the police said the student went to the station to seek assistance as the suspect had contacted her and promised to return the stolen cellphone in exchange if the girl would agree to have intercourse with him.
She said that it was on Aug. 13 that someone took her cellphone, valued at about P5,000, inside a classroom of the school.
The Virac police immediately launched an entrapment operation that led to the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen gadget.
The report did not specify if the suspected thief was a classmate of the victim.
Necessary charges are now being prepared for filing against him.
Not only is the suspect liable for theft but he could also be prosecuted for extortion in violation of Articles 294 to 296 of the Revised Penal Code.
As the incident involves a threat against a woman, it can also be prosecuted under Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
Cited as a violation under Sec 5(g) is “causing or attempting to cause the woman or her child to engage in any sexual activity which does not constitute rape, by force or threat of force, physical harm, or through intimidation directed against the woman or her child or her/his immediate family.”
Acts falling under this Section shall be punished by prision mayor, or imprisonment of six (6) years and one day to 12 years, plus a fine ranging from P100,000 to P300,000.
Those found guilty will also be directed by the Court to undergo mandatory psychological counseling or psychiatric treatment.
The Virac police encourages victims of similar extortion activities to refrain from complying with the demands and immediately report the incident for proper documentation and investigation.