PNP targets deceptive drought claims, scams

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group on Monday to intensify online surveillance against individuals and entities exploiting drought concerns through deceptive marketing schemes and fraudulent water treatment products.

The directive follows instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., issued through Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to enhance consumer protection, combat cyber-enabled fraud, and shield vulnerable communities from exploitation during environmental emergencies.

“Access to safe drinking water is a public concern, and misinformation can put lives and livelihoods at risk,” Nartatez said.

“The PNP will investigate individuals or groups that spread misleading claims about water purification products if these are used to defraud the public,” he added.

The operational crackdown coincides with ongoing mitigation measures coordinated by the Office of Civil Defense to counter inaccurate claims and online speculation regarding water shortages and filtration technologies.

According to Office of Civil Defense monitoring data released 11 October, El Niño conditions have affected 451,889 individuals across 1,019 barangays in six regions.

In response, national agencies have prepositioned water tankers and identified alternative potable water sources to assist affected communities.

Nartatez also instructed police regional offices and local units to partner with the Department of Trade and Industry and local government officials to investigate complaints related to water hoarding, price gouging, and consumer fraud in drought-impacted areas.

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