THE DEPARTMENT of Justice on Monday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the alleged sale of sensual photos and videos by students looking to earn money for their online education.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also directed the NBI to file appropriate charges against persons involved in the sexual exploitation of students.

He issued the order after Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Justice department and the Philippine National Police to look into the alleged “Christmas sale” of lewd and sensual materials by students to finance their expenses for distance learning as reported by The Philippine Online Student Tambayan, a news portal for students.

The POST report said that students will be using what they earn to buy gadgets for their siblings and pay for internet bills.

In December, some students offered “Christmas bundles” or sets of their sensual images and videos for as low as P150.

The DOJ ordered the NBI to submit a progress report within 10 days and provide updates periodically afterward.