The National Bureau of Investigation said on Monday it has started its investigation on the rape threat against Frankie Pangilinan, daughter of celebrity Sharon Cuneta and Senator Francis Pangilinan.
“May directive sa amin si OIC ng NBI (Eric Distor) para tingnan ‘yung issue (NBI OIC Eric Distor has directive for us to look into the issue.),” NBI Cybercrime Division chief Victor Lorenzo said in a television interview.
“So far inumpisahan pa lang namin, tinitingnan namin yung kung saan kami mag-uumpisa, ano magiging lead (So far, we’ve just started. We’re looking at where to start and what will be the lead.),” Lorenzo also said.
"Tinitingnan na namin, kino-collate na namin 'yung mga information, tama nga yung sinabi niyo, baka puwedeng i-invoke niya na identity theft or na-compromise lang 'yung account niya, kaya dino-document na namin," Lorenzo said on a separate interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Monday.
During the weekend, Cuneta said she would do whatever it takes to find the netizen and sue him for threatening to rape her daughter Frankie.
Frankie is known for starting the #HijaAko hashtag in response to TV and radio personality Ben Tulfo telling women to be "careful with the way you dress up" to avoid "inviting" rapists.
Frankie stirred a debate on social media on #HijaAko, an online movement to end victim-blaming in cases of sexual violence and harassment.
Lorenzo said the incident could be a case of light threat or unjust vexation, which is punishable by up to 12 years under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
“Pwede ‘yan sa light threat, at the same time, puwede ‘yan sa unjust vexation in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act (This can be a light threat and at the same time, unjust vexation in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act.),” said Lorenzo.
“Under the revised penal code, mababa lang ang penalty ng light threat at sa unjust vexation pero ‘pag in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act, one degree higher ‘yun, mas mabigat yung term, six years and one day to 12 years (Under the revised penal code, light threat and unjust vexation have lighter penalties but if it’s in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act, it’s one degree higher, the term is heavier from six years and a day to 12 years [in prison].),” he also said.
Earlier, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra had confirmed that Cuneta had reached out to him asking for help regarding the threat against her daughter.
Guevarra said Cuneta has already identified the man, his location, and the name and address of his employer.