86 victims file raps vs online loan apps

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 86 victims of abusive online lending applications filed complaints on Friday as the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) renewed its campaign against digital loan sharks.

“This wave of new complaints is a sign that more Filipinos are choosing to assert their rights and fight back against abuse,” PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz said.

“We are currently handling about 150 complaints and we expect this number to increase as more victims come forward. These abusive practices must end. We are committed to holding perpetrators accountable,” he added.

Online loan apps blackmailing and doxxing victims – maliciously posting their personal data on social media – are violating lending regulations and data privacy laws, authorities said.

Many complainants assisted by the PAOCC went to Metro Manila to participate in the mass filing, which was part of a broader crackdown launched last week.

Members of the United OLA Victims Movement led by civil society advocate Kikay Bautista took part in the filing of complaints.