December 12, 2022 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Police have arrested more than 80 people for allegedly operating an illegal online lending agency in Manila. Members of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) on Friday raided the suspects’ office in Barangay 497, Sampaloc by virtue of a search warrant.
Police said 83 collection agents of the agency were apprehended after they were caught in the act of sending threatening messages to customers.
The suspects unlawfully accessed their clients’ personal information and posted these online with libelous remarks, according to police.
“Customers who fell (for) this scam suffered public humiliation and harassment, coupled with threats and illegal access to their phones’ contact list when (they could not) pay on time,” the PNP-ACG said in a statement.
ACG director Brig. Gen. Joel Doria said he ordered the conduct of intelligence-driven operations against online lending agencies to protect the public.
“These online lenders take advantage of poor netizens once they click on advertisements and promotions through social media that offer instant loans,” Doria said.
The suspects are facing charges of violating Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act, cyber libel, grave threats and violation of Memorandum Circular No. 18 issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Let this serve as a warning to illegal online lending agencies: the PNP-ACG…
