PNP probes fake ‘Tino’ victims donation modus

The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed on Sunday that it has launched an investigation into reports of fraudulent solicitations for victims of typhoon "Tino" in Cebu.

The investigation was prompted by an advisory from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) warning the public about a woman named Jennifer Santos, who allegedly posed as an OCD staff member to solicit donations.

PNP chief Lt. Gen. 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 funds.

“Upon receiving the advisory from the Office of Civil Defense, our units immediately coordinated with the agency to gather information about the suspect,” Nartatez said.

“We are now tracing the digital footprint and communication channels used to solicit donations,” he added.

The OCD had previously clarified that it does not solicit donations through individual officials and encouraged the public to coordinate directly with the OCD or the Department of Social Welfare and Development for relief efforts.

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

Nartatez stressed that fraud and identity theft are serious criminal offenses, particularly when the names of government officials and disaster victims are exploited.

“If it is proven that fraud occurred, those involved will be held accountable under the law,” he said.

The PNP chief advised the public to verify all solicitations before providing financial or material assistance and to report any suspicious activities to the Anti-Cybercrime Group or the nearest police station.