City of San Fernando, Pampanga – Four suspects involved in an online scam amounting to Php 809,500 were arrested early this morning, January 19, 2025, in Barangay Burnay, Talavera, Nueva Ecija, following a swift entrapment operation conducted by authorities.
The operation was initiated after Mr. Cordova, a 32-year-old co-owner of G Racing and resident of Barangay MS Garcia, Cabanatuan City, reported the scam to Talavera Police Station. Mr. Cordova alleged that the primary suspect, a 24-year-old male, posed as a motor parts buyer and reseller. The suspect presented a falsified online transaction slip as proof of payment for the Php 809,500 order.
Believing the transaction to be legitimate, Mr. Cordova dispatched the motor parts through a Lalamove delivery. However, upon verifying with his bank, he discovered the payment was never made. Realizing he had been scammed, he immediately sought police assistance, leading to the entrapment operation.
The police operation led to the arrest of four suspects, including a 25-year-old male and a 22-year-old female from Barangay Burnay, and a 28-year-old male and another male from Barangay San Pascual, both in Talavera. They were caught in possession of the motor parts. However, the primary suspect managed to elude authorities and remains under pursuit by law enforcement.
PBGEN Jean S. Fajardo, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), emphasized the importance of vigilance in transactions. “This case serves as a reminder to our citizens to be cautious when engaging in online transactions. Criminals continue to innovate, but we in the PNP remain steadfast in our efforts to bring them to justice and ensure the safety of our communities,” she said.
The arrested suspects now face charges of Syndicated Estafa, a non-bailable offense. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to locate the primary suspect and ensure justice is served.
The Police Regional Office 3 reiterates its commitment to combating all forms of criminality and ensuring the safety and security of the public.
