PNP steps up cyber monitoring vs El Niño-related water scams

The Philippine National Police has intensified online monitoring and enforcement against individuals and groups that may exploit El Niño-related water concerns through deceptive claims and fraudulent marketing of water treatment products.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to step up surveillance of online scams involving water purification products and other fraudulent offers targeting consumers.

The directive follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen consumer protection, crack down on cybercrime and safeguard communities from exploitation during emergencies.

“Access to safe drinking water is a public concern, and misinformation can put lives and livelihoods at risk. The PNP will investigate individuals or groups that spread misleading claims about water purification products if these are used to defraud the public,” Nartatez said.

The move came as the Office of Civil Defense said it was coordinating with government agencies to counter inaccurate information and speculation circulating online about water shortages and purification products.

The OCD reported that El Niño had affected 451,889 individuals or 121,185 families in 1,019 barangays across six regions as of Oct. 11. Government preparations include prepositioning water lorries and identifying alternative sources of potable water and irrigation.

Nartatez also directed police regional offices and local units to coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry, local governments and other agencies in acting on complaints involving water hoarding, profiteering and consumer fraud.

“The PNP's cybercrime and investigation units are monitoring online activities related to possible scams and deceptive schemes arising from the water situation. We encourage the public to report suspicious sellers and misleading advertisements to authorities immediately,” Nartatez said.