In the Philippines, the intersection of digital technology and the exploitation of minors is met with some of the strictest penalties in the revised penal system. Cyber-blackmail and "sextortion"—a form of blackmail where a perpetrator threatens to release sexually explicit images or videos unless the victim provides more content, money, or sexual favors—are treated as grave criminal offenses.

1. Key Governing Laws

Several statutes overlap to provide a comprehensive legal framework for these crimes:

R.A. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012): This is the primary law. It penalizes "Cyber-libel" and "Illegal Access," but more importantly, it provides for the aggravating circumstance of crimes committed through a computer system.
R.A. 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009): This prohibits the recording or distribution of photos or videos of a person’s private areas or sexual acts without consent, even if the relationship was originally consensual.
R.A. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act): This acts as the "umbrella" law for protecting minors. Under this act, any form of sexual exploitation or coercion of a minor is a non-bailable offense.
R.A. 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children - OSAEC): Enacted in 2022, this law specifically targets online exploitation. It imposes heavy duties on internet service providers (ISPs) and social media platforms to report and block such content.

2. Immediate Steps for Victims and Guardians

The moments following the discovery of sextortion are critical. The priority is to secure evidence without tipping off the perpetrator to the point where they delete the data or retaliate.

Cease Communication Immediately: Do not pay the ransom or send more images. Perpetrators rarely stop after the first "payment"; they use it as leverage for further demands.
Preserve Digital Evidence: Do not delete the conversation or the profile of the perpetrator.

Screenshots: Capture the perpetrator’s profile URL, the specific threats made, the timestamp of the messages, and the platform used.
Keep Original Files: Do not alter or edit the screenshots.

Secure Accounts: Change passwords and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all social media and email accounts to prevent the perpetrator from gaining further access.

3. Where to Report (Law Enforcement Agencies)

In the Philippines, two main specialized units handle these crimes. Both have the authority to conduct "rescue operations" and digital forensics.

PNP-ACG (Philippine National Police - Anti-Cybercrime Group)

Located at Camp Crame, Quezon City, they have regional satellite offices. They are the primary responders for "hot pursuit" or immediate intervention.

Cyber Tipsters: You can report via their official Facebook page or website.

NBI-CCD (National Bureau of Investigation - Cybercrime Division)

The NBI is often preferred for complex cases requiring deep forensic investigation or international coordination (e.g., if the perpetrator is outside the Philippines).

NBI Clearance Centers: They often have desks dedicated to receiving complaints of this nature.

DOJ-OOC (Department of Justice - Office of Cybercrime)

The OOC acts as the central authority for international cooperation and legal guidance on cybercrime prosecution.

4. The Prosecution Process

Once a report is filed, the process generally follows these stages:

Affidavit of Complaint: The guardian (on behalf of the minor) files a sworn statement detailing the events, supported by the preserved digital evidence.
Preliminary Investigation: A prosecutor determines if there is "probable cause" to bring the case to court.
Inquest/Regular Filing: If the perpetrator is caught in the act (entrapment), they undergo an inquest. Otherwise, it follows the regular filing procedure.
Protection of Identity: Under Philippine law, the identity of the minor victim is strictly confidential. In court proceedings, the minor is often referred to by initials to protect their privacy.

5. Important Legal Nuances

Consent is Irrelevant: Under R.A. 7610 and R.A. 11930, a minor (anyone under 18, or over 18 but unable to fully care for themselves) cannot legally consent to sexual activity or the production of explicit material. Therefore, the "it was consensual" defense by a perpetrator is legally void.
Increased Penalties: Under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the penalty for crimes defined by the Revised Penal Code is increased by one degree if committed through information and communications technology (ICT).
Duty of Platforms: Social media companies are now legally mandated under R.A. 11930 to cooperate with Philippine law enforcement. If a report is filed, the PNP or NBI can issue a Preservation Order to the platform to keep the data as evidence for up to six months.