The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Tuesday that it is looking to invest in digital literacy programs for its personnel to better equip them in addressing the growing threat of online financial fraud, particularly those involving e-wallet accounts.

“The level of aggressiveness we show to ensure peace and order on the streets and in the communities should be the same in cyberspace. Digital technology is evolving fast, and that includes the modus operandi of cybercriminals,” PNP Acting Chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said.

“We must equip our personnel with the necessary skills not only to keep up but to stay ahead of cybercriminals at all times. This is part of modern policing, and we must not be left behind,” he added.

Nartatez said the initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen public protection against cybercrime and enhance citizens’ awareness of digital threats.

On 21 January, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) arrested eight individuals in a coordinated nationwide operation targeting the illegal online sale of e-wallet accounts in Quezon City, Davao Oriental, and Manila.

The suspects were reportedly engaged in the online sale of e-wallet accounts, an activity frequently associated with cyber fraud and digital scams.

“This case involving eight individuals is just the tip of the iceberg,” Nartatez warned, emphasizing that the scale of these networks requires a more tech-savvy police force. He stressed that education is the ultimate deterrent against such operations.

“Digital literacy is crucial in protecting citizens from online fraud. Hindi lamang kami nag-aaresto; layunin din naming turuan ang mga mamamayan kung paano maging ligtas sa digital world,” Nartatez said.

“Simple precautions, like verifying the source of e-wallet offers and enabling two-factor authentication, can significantly reduce the risk of fraud,” he added.

The PNP is also working closely with fintech companies and community groups to educate the public on safe online practices. Recently, the PNP-ACG partnered with online lender JuanHand to protect borrowers from cybercrime and scams.

The collaboration will focus on public awareness campaigns, consumer education on safe borrowing, and identifying predatory lending schemes. Initiatives include information sharing, training programs, and workshops on evolving cyber threats.