NBI arrests sextortionist in Manila

A sextortionist was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation–National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) in Manila after coercing a lady into intercourse in return for withholding their sex video.

Reports reaching the office of NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago identified the arrested suspect as Billy Rose R. Dela Cruz, who was arrested in Ermita, Manila, on 13 August 2025.

The complainant averred that she had a dating relationship with the subject while they were in Macau, but without her consent, he recorded their sexual activity.

After Dela Cruz returned to the Philippines, he became obsessed and sent the videos to the complainant’s workmates, prompting her to resign.

He then threatened to send the explicit video to the complainant’s family and friends if she would not meet him for sexual intercourse.

The complainant agreed to his demand to meet at a hotel in Ermita, Manila, on 13 August 2025, but unknown to the suspect, she had already coordinated with NBI-NCR for assistance in conducting an operation against the subject.

In the afternoon of the said date, NBI-NCR agents proceeded to the meeting place where they arrested the suspect inside the hotel room, and the complainant was successfully rescued.

Agents seized the iPhone SE of the suspect, which contained illicit material, and subsequently presented him for inquest proceedings before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for violation of RA 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009) in relation to the Cybercrime Law, violation of RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004), and violation of Article 286 (Grave Coercion) of the Revised Penal Code.

The public was urged by Santiago to report any incidents of sextortion to the NBI, assuring them that the agency is ready to take action.