• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is urging the public to stay vigilant against scammers posing as high-ranking police officials to extort money or solicit favors.
BCPO Director PCol. Eugene Rebadomia issued the warning after personal experience with the scheme.
He shared that just last week, a station commander contacted him to verify a report that Rebadomia was allegedly celebrating his birthday at a resort in Cadiz City and was soliciting liquor.
“I was right here in Bacolod, yet someone was using my name to ask for drinks,” Rebadomia said.
He noted that these scammers often use the names of senior officers to demand cash or ask for liquor.
Beyond simple solicitation, Rebadomia warned that some individuals use the names of police officers to intimidate the public.
He cited past cases where scammers claimed to have arrest warrants for estafa or other crimes to threaten victims into paying monetary considerations.
The BCPO director advised the public to immediately report any suspicious calls or messages to the 911 emergency hotline.
Rebadomia advised the public to report anyone soliciting money or favors under the name of a public official and urged the public to validate solicitors information by visiting a police station to verify the source if any doubts arise.*
