Pirated Bar review seller caught in Tacloban

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division arrested a man on Thursday, 31 July, for allegedly selling unauthorized copies of bar exam review materials in an operation at a computer repair shop in Tacloban City.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspect as Boanerges Ty Hidalgo, who was apprehended at Jash Tech Computer & Laptop Repair Services after a complaint from Jurists Bar Review Center. The legal education provider had reported the illegal reproduction and distribution of their copyrighted video lectures and study materials.

Reports showed investigators first conducted a test-buy operation to verify the piracy claims before executing the arrest. The agency confirmed the materials were indeed pirated copies of Jurists' proprietary content.

The suspect faces multiple charges, including violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the Electronic Commerce Act, and the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. The NBI's Eastern Visayas Regional Office assisted in the operation, with evidence including photographs and seized materials to be presented in inquest proceedings.

Hidalgo remains in custody as prosecutors prepare formal charges.