Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) — Basketball star Kiefer Ravena broke his silence Thursday over an alleged photo scandal, following the suspect’s arrest.
Kristoffer Monico Ng was taken into police custody Wednesday for allegedly leaking Ravena’s nude photos online and attempting to extort money from the 23-year-old basketball star.
Ravena, known by his monicker “The Phenom,” hoped Ng’s arrest will lead to the arrest of others involved in the leak.
“We hope to get more leads and information so justice will be served, and harassment and blackmailing such as this would end,” said Ravena in a statement.
Ravena’s family sought help from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group in tracking down the suspect.
The police arrested Ng in an entrapment operation on Wednesday. He will be charged with robbery and extortion and faces a 12- to 20-year jail sentence.
Ng denied involvement in the blackmail try.
“Hindi ako yung kumuha ng video. Hindi ako yung nagkalat. Lumapit lang ako dahil alam kong may nagkakalat sa kanya at alam ko yung pangalan,” said Ng, referring to the photos.
[Translation: I did not take the video. I did not spread it. I came to him because I know the person who is trying to spread it.]
CNN Philippines correspondent Camille Abadicio contributed to this report.
