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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Task force formed to probe online scams in Cebu City

Task force formed to probe online scams in Cebu City

Published May 22, 2025 09:59 pm
CEBU CITY – A multi-agency task force has been created to look into reports of suspected online scam operations happening here.
The task force is composed of the Business Permit and Licensing Office, Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Office of the City Administrator.
GARCIA (seated center). (FB)
GARCIA (seated center). (FB)
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia on Thursday, May 22, said the creation of a special task force will look into a suspected scam hub operating in the city, following a viral video exposé published by a vlogger known only as “MRWN.”
The exposé released on May 19 showed behind-the-scenes footage that allegedly involved an organized online fraud operation housed in what appeared to be an office facility here.
The video has been viral on social media.
“The city will not tolerate any illegal operation that tarnishes Cebu’s reputation, especially in the BPO sector. We are taking immediate steps to validate and address these allegations,” Garcia said.
The creation of the task force came a week after 17 Taiwanese nationals were arrested for running an alleged “romance scam” inside a subdivision here.
Garcia appealed to call center agents potentially involved in the alleged operation to come forward to help in the investigation.
“They should not be afraid. We will protect them. First and foremost, they are protected by the law, especially if they become witnesses,” he said.
Garcia added the cooperation of call center agents will play a key role in unmasking those involved in online scam operations.
“More likely, they can pinpoint or identify other similar operations. They are just in a small community,” he said.
Garcia disclosed that the task force will be validating claims made in the video to possibly identify the individuals or entities responsible.
The creation of the task force to look into the accusations will help protect the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the city.
“These illegal activities will destroy call centers that are operating legally. This can destroy our city. We pride ourselves as the center for BPO,” said Garcia.
Garcia also appealed to the public for cooperation and vigilance. He said any suspicious activities related to unregistered or suspicious call center operations must be reported to authorities right away.

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Online scams Scams Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia
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