Public warned vs. online booking scams amid travel season

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency

On Tuesday, April 22, the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public against online scammers offering tour packages that appear too good to be true as the summer travel season peaks.

PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil issued the reminder as the police force’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) arrested 45 persons for cybercrimes from April 11 to 17 in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the campaign against cybercrimes.

“We urge everyone to verify the legitimacy of travel agencies and booking platforms before making any transactions,” Marbil said in a statement.

“To cybercriminals preying on innocent citizens, especially during this peak travel season, be warned: the PNP is actively monitoring, patrolling, and ready to act. There will be no safe space for scammers in the digital world,” he added.

The PNP-ACG conducted 313 cyber patrolling activities and carried out 13 digital forensic examinations from April 11 to 17, resulting in the arrest of 45, including 32 through entrapment operations.

The ACG called on the public to stay vigilant and immediately report any suspicious or harmful online activity through the ACG’s official hotlines and verified social media accounts.

PNP assures continued efforts to safeguard Filipinos’ welfare

Marbil said the PNP remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every Filipino enjoys a safer and more secure cyberspace under the Bagong Pilipinas framework.

He lauded ACG’s consistent and high-impact performance, emphasizing the importance of public trust and law enforcement’s evolving role in cyberspace.

The PNP Chief also commended the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) intensified operations in apprehending the 37 wanted individuals and fugitives on April 14.

“I salute our CIDG teams nationwide for their relentless commitment and swift action in taking 37 fugitives off the streets in just one day. Your bravery and perseverance in carrying out this difficult task not only strengthen public safety but also bring hope to victims still waiting for justice,” he said.

He assured the public that the CIDG remains relentless in its efforts to account for and arrest all wanted persons and criminals nationwide. (PNA)

Popular

DSWD releases P4.1M in initial aid to families affected by ‘Crising’

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided more than P4.1 million worth of humanitarian...

‘Crising’ exits PAR; Signal No. 2 still up in extreme northern Luzon —PAGASA

By Brian Campued “Crising” has left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), shortly after it intensified into a severe tropical storm Saturday morning, according to...

PBBM to seek greater PH-U.S. security, economic ties at Washington trip

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will express his intent for “greater” security and economic relations between the...

Get easier, corruption-free gov’t services at new eGovPH one-stop shop —PBBM

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday touted the establishment of the “Bagong Pilipinas eGovPH Serbisyo Hub” (BPESH) as part of the...