MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can trace the one responsible for uploading the sex photos and video of Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo Tallado, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Tuesday.
However, De Lima said Tallado has to file a formal complaint before her or directly at the National Bureau of Investigation.
Tallado on Monday urged the NBI and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to trace the person or persons who uploaded the photos and videos of him and his alleged mistress in a compromising position.
CAMARINES Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado and his wife Josie in this photo taken in 2013. JUAN ESCANDOR JR./INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON FILE PHOTO
The photos surfaced after his wife, Josefina “Josie” Tallado, 45, was interviewed on television on Oct. 22 where she revealed her reason for leaving their home in Labo, Camarines Norte province.
During the interview, Josie claimed the governor had been having an affair with the woman for two years and that she saw the sex video on his phone in the first week of September.
When a nude photo of the mistress was uploaded on Facebook, the governor accused her of being behind it, Josie said.
She said she ran away in fear of her husband after she saw him very angry for the first time in the 28 years they had been married.
“I haven’t received any request [from Tallado] about that. So pending our receipt of any official or formal request from any party concerned, I don’t want to be commenting on that,” the Justice Secretary said.
“If he wanted to trace the person who uploaded the sex video, then the NBI Cybercrime division may possibly do that,” she added.
De Lima also said the Department of Justice has formed a team of specialized prosecutors that will handle cases of crimes committed online, amid the increasing use — and misuse — of information and communication technology.
Uploading sex videos is one of the many punishable acts under Republic Act No. 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
“This specially trained unit is essential to enforce the new law against cybercrime. ICT (information and communication technology) is fast evolving and the department needs to learn to adapt to new threats,” De Lima said.
RELATED STORIES
Camarines Norte gov. wife surfaces, bares husband’s sex video
Camarines Norte governor in sex scandal apologizes