SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday alerted the public of an alleged emerging modus in rented staycation units in the country, where owners supposedly install hidden cameras which are used to spy on renters.
Gatchalian said a friend reported to him that some owners of listed Airbnb units have been using videos captured by the hidden cameras to allegedly blackmail and squeeze money from the victims.
He said he is still gathering more information on his friend’s report, even as he urged the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to look into the matter.
“If you will not pay, they (unit owners) will upload the video. If you pay, they will demand more from you. This will be a never-ending cycle),” Gatchalian said during the Committee on Women hearing on bills filed to amend the Safe Spaces Act.
Gatchalian said initial information relayed to his office indicated that the hidden cameras are of high resolution, which allows operators to even view the passwords of emails and cellphones from afar, which he said are also used to perpetuate illegal activities.
“They do this in several Airbnb and similar types of establishments or units. I think this is an emerging modus operandi. We have to nip this in the bud),” he said.
Renato “Aboy” Paraiso, from of the CICC, said they have heard of the modus but, “unfortunately, we have not received any report).”
“Unfortunately, we cannot investigate because no one has come forward with actual cases of them being victimized,” Paraiso said.
Gatchalian called on the PNP and the Department of Justice to look into the matter.
“This is an emerging threat to our families here in our country… And once I get more information, I’ll file the corresponding resolution to be referred to the Committee on Women,” he also said.
