The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation into scammers posing as Police Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and other senior government and police officials, following reports of online impersonation and attempted fraud.

The Bicol Police Regional Office (PRO-5) issued a public advisory after detecting accounts and communications falsely using the names and identities of high-ranking officials, including Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, PNP Chief Nartatez, PNP spokesperson PLTGEN Bernard Banac, and PRO-5 Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda.

According to the PNP, the individuals behind the impersonation attempts allegedly contacted potential victims to solicit money, gift cards, or personal information while claiming to represent government officials.

“We urge the public to stay vigilant and never give out money or personal information to anyone claiming to be a government official,” Nartatez said. 

Nartatez said police units in the Bicol region have been directed to immediately verify and document reported incidents of impersonation and related scams. The directive forms part of a broader effort to curb fraud involving the misuse of government identities.

The PNP advised the public to verify claims through official channels and to avoid engaging with unverified accounts or messages requesting financial assistance or sensitive information. Reports of suspicious activity may be referred to local police stations or official PNP hotlines.

The alert comes after a recent case in Pampanga, where authorities arrested two individuals accused of impersonating Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.

Nartatez said the PNP is preparing to file appropriate charges against individuals found responsible for impersonating government officials, adding that cases will be pursued once suspects are identified and arrested.