Scammer impersonates PNP official to solicit moneyIn a statement, the PNP said the scammer is using Banac’s name and falsely presenting a PNP Academy Class of 1992 seal in asking for money through the messaging app Viber. MANILA, Philippines — Scammers are using the name of Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, the second highest ranking officer of the Philippine National Police, to solicit money from unsuspecting people, the PNP warned. In a statement, the PNP said the scammer is using Banac’s name and falsely presenting a PNP Academy Class of 1992 seal in asking for money through the messaging app Viber. It also urged the public to ignore and report unsolicited messages requesting money using the identities of police officials. The Anti-Cybercrime Group and PNP intelligence units are investigating to identify the people using Banac’s name.

Source: Philippine Star January 03, 2026 17:29 UTC