Law enforcers across the country are intensifying their drive against criminals posing as government personnel to swindle senior citizens and break into their residences.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. has instructed all regional and local units to partner with municipal agencies to hunt down syndicate members exploiting elderly residents.
“The PNP strongly condemns this modus and will not allow criminals to take advantage of our senior citizens. We have directed our local police units to closely coordinate with concerned government agencies and immediately act on reports involving individuals impersonating government personnel,” Nartatez stated.
The intensified campaign comes after recent criminal reports surfaced in the Visayas region. In Talisay City, Cebu, two men posing as staff from the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) offered a false P6,000 cash grant to a 77-year-old resident. Upon entering the victim’s home under the guise of performing a routine health check, they stole a P60,000 necklace and a wallet containing P600. OSCA officials later confirmed they had no agents in the area and no such payout program existed.
A similar incident took place in Ibajay, Aklan, where a female suspect claiming to represent the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) promised a ₱10,000 payout to an elderly resident. After gaining entry to use the restroom, she allowed two accomplices inside and the group fled with ₱15,000 in cash and 140 euros. Reports indicate the same group attempted a similar scam in Kalibo, but was turned away by a victim’s alert grandchild.
The PNP chief reminded citizens to take preventive precautions before allowing unverified individuals onto their property.
“The public should always verify the identity and authorization of anyone claiming to represent a government agency, especially those offering financial assistance. Do not surrender personal identification cards or allow strangers into your homes without first confirming their identity with the concerned agency or local authorities,” Nartatez emphasized.
He added that senior citizens ought to consult family members or authorities whenever approached with unsolicited financial promises.
“Our senior citizens should remain vigilant and never hesitate to ask for assistance from their families, neighbors or the police when approached by strangers offering supposed government aid. When in doubt, verify first and immediately report suspicious individuals to the nearest police station,” Nartatez said.