FOR thousands of Cebuanos, Facebook community groups have become part of daily life, a place to find a ride home, ask for recommendations, or connect with fellow residents.
But investigators say some of these trusted online spaces have quietly evolved into platforms for illegal activities, exposing unsuspecting users to explicit content with just a few scrolls.
The National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI 7) recently arrested a 36-year-old man accused of advertising sexual services disguised as massage offers through several Cebu-based Facebook community pages.
Authorities said the case highlights a growing trend in which public online groups are being exploited for prostitution and other unlawful activities.
The suspect, identified as Edgar Baquilid, also known as “Baquilid” or “Eddie,” is a native of Cagayan de Oro City. He told investigators he works as a nursing aide and also sells flowers, while offering massage services as a sideline.
The investigation began after a concerned citizen reported seeing suggestive massage advertisements on a local Facebook page on July 13. Investigating Agent Maria Contessa D.C. Lastimoso later found that the advertisements used language and images that focused less on therapeutic massage and more on the physical appearance of the service providers.
Over several days of online surveillance, the NBI traced similar advertisements posted on community pages such as “Habal-habal Cebu Riders,” “Mamayutay sa Cebu,” and “LGBTQ Cebu.” According to Lastimoso, the bureau had already received four complaints involving the online posts.
“What concerns us is that these pages were created to help the public, particularly commuters and tourists, but they were allegedly being used as a vehicle for prostitution,” Lastimoso said during a press briefing on Friday, July 24.
Investigators said an undercover operative contacted the suspect using the number listed in the advertisements. During the online exchange, the suspect allegedly offered different “extra services,” including naked massage, sexual massage and nuru massage, at varying prices. He also allegedly sent explicit photographs and promotional materials.
Authorities said the investigation uncovered another disturbing allegation. According to Lastimoso, the suspect allegedly recorded encounters with clients and later threatened to upload the videos online unless they paid additional money.
For digital safety advocates, the case illustrates how online exploitation has become increasingly difficult to detect. Advertisements disguised as legitimate services can appear alongside ordinary community posts, making it harder for users — and even page administrators — to distinguish legal businesses from illegal operations.
Following an entrapment operation, Baquilid was arrested and brought to the NBI 7 detention facility, where he is awaiting inquest proceedings.
He denied offering sexual services for money, maintaining that he only performed massage during his free time. He also said he frequently traveled to Cebu to purchase flowers for his business and had previously operated a spa where he learned massage techniques.
Baquilid now faces charges for alleged violation of Section 4(c)(1) of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Beyond the arrest, the NBI said it is urging administrators of online community groups to be more vigilant in monitoring posts, warning that children and young people can easily be exposed to explicit and unlawful content if such advertisements remain unchecked.
For many Cebuanos who turn to these pages for everyday needs, authorities say preserving the trust and safety of online communities has become just as important as policing crimes committed offline. / CAV / ANV