Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar tasked the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to step up the campaign against the selling of fake entry permits to foreigners and other illegal online activities that are connected to the government’s COVID-19 response.
“Inatasan ko na ang aming Anti-Cybercrime Group na lalong paigtingin ang pagtutok at mga operasyon laban sa mga nagbebenta ng fake entry permits at iba pang mga ilegal na aktibidad na may kaugnayan sa COVID-19, kabilang ang pagbebenta ng pekeng RT-PCR results, vaccination cards, at iba pa,” Eleazar said.
“Titiyakin natin na mananagot ang mga taong ito dahil hindi katanggap-tanggap na nakukuha pa nilang magsamantala sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin dahil sa pandemya,” he added.
Reports indicated that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has already received complaints about this illegal practice wherein the victim has to get in touch with an immigration officer who will facilitate the foreigner’s entry.
The point person referred to by the online scammers does not exist. The BI also clarified that it is never its policy to offer entry permits via social media.
Aside from the selling of fake entry permits, the PNP is also monitoring the selling of fake vaccination cards and RT-PCR test results online.
The vaccination card is being eyed as an additional requirement for cross-border travel and currently, it is used to avail of discounts in some malls and business establishments as part of these private companies’ contribution to encourage more people to be vaccinated.
Likewise, a number of people were either arrested or charged in connection with the selling of fake RT-PCR results in the past.
Eleazar urged victims of these illegal practices to report to authorities and lodge formal complaints.
“Pinapayuhan din natin ang ating mga kababayan na mag-ingat at huwag maniwala sa mga scammer na ito, dahil hindi lang ang inyong mga sarili ang inilalagay ninyo sa alanganin kundi pati na rin ang ating mga kababayan sa gitna ng pagtaas ng mga kaso ng COVID sa ating bansa,” he added. (PNP-PIO) – jlo
