The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its monitoring of online platforms for scams involving water purification products and other fraudulent offers targeting consumers amid water supply concerns linked to El Niño.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to strengthen surveillance and investigate individuals or groups using misleading claims about water treatment products to defraud the public.
“The PNP will investigate individuals or groups that spread misleading claims about water purification products if these are used to defraud the public,” Nartatez said in a statement Monday.
The directive comes as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) coordinates with government agencies to address misinformation and speculation circulating online about water shortages and purification products.
As of Oct. 11, El Niño had affected 451,889 people, or 121,185 families, in 1,019 barangays across six regions, according to the OCD.
Government preparations include prepositioning water lorries and identifying alternative sources of potable water and irrigation to help communities cope with prolonged dry conditions.
Nartatez also ordered police regional offices and local units to coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry, local government units and other agencies to verify and act on complaints involving water hoarding, profiteering and consumer fraud.
“The PNP’s cybercrime and investigation units are monitoring online activities related to possible scams and deceptive schemes arising from the water situation. We encourage the public to report suspicious sellers and misleading advertisements to authorities immediately,” Nartatez said.
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