THE Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has arrested a man accused of demanding money from PhilHealth applicants in Bicol region with the promise of facilitating their requests within one to two weeks in an entrapment operation in Daraga, Albay.
The suspect, identified only as alias ‘Emie’, is facing criminal charges for violation of Article 172 or falsification of public documents under the Revised Penal Code in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The sting was conducted by undercover officers from the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 5 following a complaint from the Bicol office of PhilHealth about a man charging P1,075 for the online processing of PhilHealth Identification Cards.
The accused reportedly promises his victims that their PhilHealth ID cards will be processed within one to two weeks after payment of the fee which is against the policy of the government office.
PNP-ACG director, Brigadier General Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga emphasized anew the importance of being cautious in doing online transactions following the arrest of the suspect.
“Verify the legitimacy of the services offered by the companies or agencies before engaging in online transactions. If you have information about anyone involved in this illegal activity, please report it promptly to PNP ACG for appropriate action,” he said.
