Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered an immediate investigation into reports of fraudulent solicitations for victims of Typhoon “Tino.”
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) issued an advisory warning the public about a certain Jennifer Santos who falsely claimed to be an OCD staff member to solicit donations for Typhoon Tino victims in Cebu.
The OCD clarified that it does not request donations through individuals and urged the public to coordinate directly with the OCD or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Nartatez directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to identify and locate the suspect, who allegedly posed as a staff member of Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV.
“Upon receiving the advisory from the Office of Civil Defense, our units immediately coordinated with the agency to gather information about the suspect. We are now tracing the digital footprint and communication channels used to solicit donations,” Nartatez said.
The PNP’s specialized units are now tracing digital communications, online accounts, and financial channels possibly linked to the scam, in coordination with the OCD and other agencies.
“If it is proven that fraud has occurred, those involved will be held accountable under the law. Fraud and identity theft are serious offenses, especially when the names of government officials and disaster victims are used,” Nartatez said.
