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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NBI arrests 'fake priest for soliciting donations online'

NBI arrests 'fake priest for soliciting donations online'

Published Feb 9, 2026 01:23 pm
A man who posed as a parish priest and solicited donations online has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
NBI Acting Director Angelito DLP. Magno said the suspect, whose name was not disclosed, was apprehended by operatives of the NBI Naga District Office (NBI-NADO) last Feb. 3 during an entrapment operation in Naga City.
Magno said the bureau acted on the complaint from a parish priest whose name and photograph has been used by the suspect in deceiving acquaintances into sending funds.
“The suspect was arrested immediately after claiming the illicitly obtained money through a mobile wallet account linked to the scam,” he also said.
During the entrapment operation, the bureau said “NBI agents recovered the marked money and a mobile device believed to have been utilized in the commission of the fraud.”
It said that the suspect will face charges for identity theft under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
"We will not allow criminals to exploit the trust and goodwill of the public through fake online identities as the NBI remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing cyber fraudsters and protecting our communities," Magno assured.
He then reminded the public to exercise heightened caution by verifying all online requests for financial assistance and reporting suspicious social media accounts or activities to the NBI.
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