PNP warns of swindlers using Malacañang exec's name

Manila, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public yesterday against swindlers who claim to be connected with the Office of the Executive Secretary.

PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo said he has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Intelligence Group to deploy tracker teams and hunt these swindlers.

According to Bacalzo, a member of the swindling ring has managed to victimize some local government officials by claiming to be a senior official from the office of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and demanding monetary favors and other perks and privileges.

Ochoa himself has called the attention of the PNP on it, Bacalzo said.

A similar scam involved a swindler who claimed to be a lawyer assigned with the Office of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo. The swindler has reportedly victimized some town mayors and chiefs of police in Bicol and Central Luzon, Bacalzo said.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz has advised the public to immediately report the swindlers to the nearest police office or through the PNP voice and text hotline 0917-8475757 or the PNP public information office at 725-5115 or 725-3179.