The Catanduanes Police Provincial Office has warned the public against text extortion schemes of unscrupulous persons claiming to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who are targeting business establishments, government workers and ordinary citizens this Yuletide season.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Camp Francisco Camacho headquarters advised recipients not to believe the sender of the text messages as it is just a modus operandi to victimize them.
Do not give your contact information, location of your residence or any other personal information especially on social media, it stressed, advising them to immediately contact the nearest police station or concerned authorities if they experienced such extortion activity.
“You can call the emergency hotlines of the local police for immediate action,” the CATPPO said as it urged citizens not to hesitate in seeking assistance from the authorities as everyone’s cooperation is the key to putting a stop to the crime, arresting those responsible and trying them before the court.
In calling on the public to be alert, cautious and responsible, the police told them to make sure that their privacy settings on social media are always updated as it could be used in this kind of modus operandi. It also cautioned them against answering calls from unknown numbers or accepting friend requests from unidentified persons.
The warning was issued just as the Virac Municipal Police Station also broadcast an advisory to the public and agencies of the government to be wary of callers using the cellphone number 09648968334 and claiming to be PMaj. Emsol E. Icawat, the chief of police.
Those who received such calls or text messages are advised to contact Virac police hotline numbers 09183242541 and 09985986027, in order to verify the matter.