The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said it has launched an investigation into reports of fraudulent solicitations for Typhoon #TinoPH victims in Cebu.

This after the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) issued an advisory warning the public about a woman named Jennifer Santos, who allegedly posed as an OCD staff member to solicit donations. 

The OCD earlier clarified that it does not request donations through officials and encouraged coordination directly with OCD or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

PNP chief P/LtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to identify and locate Santos. 

She reportedly impersonated a staff member of Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV while soliciting donations.

“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, noting PNP units are monitoring online accounts, digital communications, and financial channels possibly linked to the scam, in coordination with OCD and other concerned agencies.

Nartatez also emphasized that fraud and identity theft are criminal offenses and that those responsible will face legal consequences if found guilty.

“Kung mapatunayang may panlilinlang na naganap, mananagot sa batas ang mga sangkot (If it is proven that fraud occurred, those involved will be held accountable under the law),” he said. 

“Fraud and identity theft are serious offenses lalo na kung ginagamit ang pangalan ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno at mga biktima ng kalamidad (Fraud and identity theft are serious offenses, especially when the names of government officials and disaster victims are used),” he further lamented. 

PNP Chief also advised the public to verify solicitations before sending financial or material assistance and to report suspicious activities to the Anti-Cybercrime Group or the nearest police station.