PNP warns public vs. cyber scam amid holiday season

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) advised the public to be vigilant against online scams as the holidays approach.

PBGen Jean Fajardo, the PNP spokesperson, said authorities continuously share crime prevention tips on their official website and social media accounts.

Fajado said the tips include identifying fraudulent free internet services and promo deals as online transactions spike up during the Christmas season.

She also advised people to buy products via legitimate shopping apps.

“Kung sa tingin natin masyadong maganda talagang maganda at appealing ang kanilang offer, magdalawang isip po tayo,” Fajardo told a government televised briefing on Monday, Dec. 9.

“Pwede itong i-check doon sa concerned at related government agencies para masiguro at hindi tayo mabiktima ng cyber criminals,” she said.

[Translation: If we feel that the offer is too good to be true, we should think twice. We can counter-check the offers via concerned and related government agencies so that we won’t fall prey to cyber criminals.]

Fajardo added that victims should contact the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group regarding their situation.

The PNP have heightened their security operations for the holidays. 

Fajardo said around 40,000 police personnel will be deployed nationwide to places of worship, major thoroughfares, transport terminals, and tourist spots.

Appeal from DOH

Meanwhile, the Department of Health urged local government units to spearhead community firework displays to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

“Kayo pa po ay makakatulong sa Department of Health kasi mababawasan ang mga injuries kung mayroon tayong community fireworks sa inyong lugar,” Health spokesperson Albert Domingo told a state-televised briefing.

[Translation: In organizing community fireworks in your areas, you can help the Department of Health in minimizing injuries.]

During the 2024 New Year festivities, the DOH recorded 609 cases of firework-related injuries, the highest tally since the country logged 633 cases when it welcomed 2017.

The 609-tally also included two deaths.

Kwitis, 5-star, pla-pla, luces, whistle bomb, and boga were the top five injury-causing fireworks.