PNP warns public vs fake account using chief’s photo

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has warned the public against a fake Facebook account using the photograph of PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., cautioning that anyone operating the account could face criminal charges if it is used to impersonate the police official, solicit money or obtain personal information through deception.

In an advisory, the PNP identified the account as “Jose Melencio Corpuz” and stressed that it is not an official account of the police organization or the Office of the Chief PNP.

The police also clarified that any messages, instructions or transactions made through the account are unauthorized and should not be treated as official communications.

The incident could constitute computer-related identity theft under Section 4(b)(3) of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, if investigators establish that the account operator intentionally used another person’s identifying information without authority.

The law covers the unauthorized acquisition, use, misuse, transfer, possession, alteration or deletion of identifying information belonging to another person.

The operator could also face a charge of usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code if the person knowingly and falsely represents himself as a government officer or performs official functions without authority.

If the account is used to deceive people into sending money or surrendering property, the operator could also face estafa charges under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, in addition to applicable cybercrime provisions, provided the elements of the offense are established.

The PNP urged the public not to communicate with the account, accept its friend requests or respond to messages, particularly those asking for money, personal information or favors.

Those who have received messages from the account were advised to preserve screenshots and other evidence and report the matter to Facebook and the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.

The police also reminded the public to obtain announcements and information only through verified PNP social media accounts and official communication channels.

The PNP did not identify the person behind the account or disclose whether an investigation had resulted in the identification of a suspect.