The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public against the fake Facebook account using the name of its Chief Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan in alleged online scam activities.
PNP spokesman Col. Ysmael Yu said it was Cascolan himself who ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group to look into the case after being informed on Monday night by a close friend that the Facebook account almost duped a policeman in Cabanatuan City.
“The Chief PNP was alerted of the activities of this con artist by a close friend whose nephew cop in Cabanatuan City was almost duped into sending P10,000 via money transfer purportedly in exchange for a preferred reassignment to a choice post,” said Yu.
Yu said the ACG has already identified the owner and creator of the fake Facebook account of Cascolan and is now being hunted down.
He said the ACG has also reported the incident to Facebook.
ACG director Brig. Gen. Dennis Agustin said they are now preparing the charges against the suspect.
“Case-build-up operations against the suspect yielded evidence that will establish a strong case for violation of anti-cybercrime laws. Arrest is imminent as soon as a warrant of arrest is obtained,” said Agustin.
Yu also warned the public not to fall for online swindling operations.
“We welcome well-meaning messages and posts on social media that assist us in reaching out to the public but we will not allow the name of the PNP and its officials to be used in shady activities,” said Yu.