HPG to file raps vs influencer for ‘escort-for-hire’ post

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Highway Patrol Group (HPG) is planning to file criminal complaints against social media “influencer” Mary Joy Santiago in connection with her controversial online post claiming that her husband hired an HPG escort for her.

After Santiago’s post went viral, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that HPG immediately tried to get a statement from the influencer, who was at first responsive but now could not be contacted anymore.

READ: HPG probes alleged escort-for-hire scheme of personnel

“Nag-reach out na po ang HPG kay Ms. Santiago. Nung una ay sumasagot pa siya; nung sumunod, may mga reasons na siya, na busy siya at marami siyang engagements, so until today ay ‘di na nila nakakausap,” Fajardo revealed in a press briefing on Monday.

(HPG tried contacting Ms.  Santiago. At first, she was responsive but eventually gave reasons that she was busy with many engagements. Until today, they have not been able to contact her.)

“Ang intention ng HPG ay magsampa ng kaso laban kay Ms. Santiago for violation of cybercrime laws,” she added.

(The HPG intends to file a case against her for violating cybercrime laws.)

Over the weekend, Santiago posted an Instagram story saying that her husband hired a police escort so she could avoid getting stuck in traffic. The man in front of her vehicle was wearing an HPG vest and riding what seemed like a police motorcycle.

However, the HPG suspected that the man in Santiago’s post was not part of the unit, according to Fajardo.

“Ang sinasabi ng HPG mukhang ‘di po nila tao itong police na nakita, kasi after sa mga sumunod na insidente involving ‘yung HPG ay nag-implement sila ng bagong uniform na may serial numbers. Kung mapapansin niyo, walang serial numbers po itong mga vests, maging ‘yung mga side boxes po nung motor ay walang marking,” the PNP official pointed out.

(The HPG said that the man in the post was not their personnel since they had already changed their uniform following many incidents involving HPG personnel. If you look closely, the vest in the post had no serial number, and even the side boxes of the motorcycle had no markings.)

Fajardo said they are now looking into the possibility that the man in the post was not police personnel and may not really be escorting Santiago.

Santiago was also linked to actor McCoy de Leon and was rumored to have caused his breakup with Elisse Joson in 2023.