The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported on Monday the arrest of a man accused of impersonating a parish priest to defraud victims through online donation requests.
The NBI’s Naga District Office said the case began after a clergy member complained that their name and photo were being used to solicit funds from acquaintances.
Authorities organized a controlled entrapment operation, leading to the suspect’s apprehension immediately after he attempted to collect money through a mobile wallet account linked to the scam.
During the arrest, investigators recovered marked cash and a mobile device allegedly used to carry out the scheme.
The suspect now faces charges of identity theft under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
The NBI stressed its commitment to pursuing individuals who exploit public trust online and warned the public to verify requests for donations and report suspicious accounts.
Officials urged social media users to remain cautious and to inform authorities of any suspected fraudulent activity to prevent further scams.