Public warned vs. online booking scams amid travel season

“We urge everyone to verify the legitimacy of travel agencies and booking platforms before making any transactions,” Marbil said in a statement. (Pexels Photo)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday warned the public against online scammers offering tour packages that appear too good to be true as the summer travel season peaks.

PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil issued the reminder as the police force’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) arrested 45 persons for cybercrimes from April 11 to 17 in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the campaign against cybercrimes.

“We urge everyone to verify the legitimacy of travel agencies and booking platforms before making any transactions,” Marbil said in a statement.

“To cybercriminals preying on innocent citizens, especially during this peak travel season, be warned: the PNP is actively monitoring, patrolling, and ready to act. There will be no safe space for scammers in the digital world,” he added.

The PNP-ACG conducted 313 cyber patrolling activities and carried out 13 digital forensic examinations from April 11 to 17, resulting in the arrest of 45, including 32 through entrapment operations.

The ACG called on the public to stay vigilant and immediately report any suspicious or harmful online activity through the ACG’s official hotlines and verified social media accounts.

Marbil said the PNP remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every Filipino enjoys a safer and more secure cyberspace under the Bagong Pilipinas framework.

He lauded ACG’s consistent and high-impact performance, emphasizing the importance of public trust and law enforcement’s evolving role in cyberspace.

The PNP chief also commended the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) intensified operations in apprehending the 37 wanted individuals and fugitives on April 14.

“I salute our CIDG teams nationwide for their relentless commitment and swift action in taking 37 fugitives off the streets in just one day. Your bravery and perseverance in carrying out this difficult task not only strengthen public safety but also bring hope to victims still waiting for justice,” he said.

He assured the public that the CIDG remains relentless in its efforts to account for and arrest all wanted persons and criminals nationwide.