Five suspected members of a budol-budol group were arrested in Camarines Norte after allegedly deceiving a 79-year-old woman into handing over Php 15,000, prompting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to warn the public against scams as the Christmas season approaches.
According to the PNP, personnel from the Talisay and Daet Municipal Police Stations arrested the five suspects on November 11, 2026, following an incident in Barangay Binanuaan, Talisay.
Police said the suspects allegedly approached the elderly victim at around 10:30 a.m. and used deceptive tactics to obtain her money before fleeing aboard a red Hyundai Accent.
A report from a barangay official prompted Talisay police to launch an immediate follow-up investigation.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from a nearby barangay outpost, which helped authorities identify the suspects’ getaway vehicle.
The information was subsequently relayed to police personnel in Daet, leading to a coordinated operation to intercept the vehicle.
At approximately 3 p.m., authorities stopped the red Hyundai Accent along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Mancruz, Daet, resulting in the arrest of all five occupants.
The suspects, whose identities were withheld by police and who were identified only through their aliases, remain in custody while investigators prepare the necessary documents for the filing of criminal charges through inquest proceedings.
Following the arrests, PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. warned that fraudsters may exploit the increased commercial activity and financial transactions during the holiday season.
“Habang papalapit ang Pasko, mas marami tayong inaasikaso—pamimili, pagaasikaso, at paghahanda para sa ating pamilya. Pero huwag nating kalimutan ang pag-iingat,” Nartatez said.
“May mga taong maaaring samantalahin ang ating pagiging abala o pagtitiwala para makapanloko. Mag-ingat tayo, lalo na sa ating mga senior citizens. Huwag basta magtiwala sa hindi kilala at huwag agad maglabas o mag-abot ng pera,” he added.
The PNP advised the public to exercise caution when approached by strangers offering unusual deals, unsolicited assistance or convincing stories involving money.
Authorities also urged individuals to avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public, secure their personal belongings and consult trusted family members before entering unfamiliar financial transactions.
Families were particularly encouraged to remind elderly relatives about common fraud schemes and accompany them when withdrawing or carrying substantial amounts of money.
The PNP emphasized that prompt reporting of suspicious activities and coordination between communities and law enforcement agencies are essential in preventing similar incidents.
The arrests also form part of the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations initiative, which seeks to strengthen police responsiveness and coordination in addressing criminal activities.
With the holiday season approaching, authorities reiterated their call for vigilance, particularly among senior citizens who may be targeted by individuals using deceptive schemes to obtain money or valuables.
The five suspects have yet to be convicted, and the allegations against them remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
