By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) operatives arrested 153 persons for cybercrimes nationwide in April, a police official said Thursday.
ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said the group also rescued 11 minor victims of online sexual abuse and trafficking in persons in 159 operations.
Yang said the operatives conducted nine entrapment operations against fake dentists, resulting in the arrest of 14 individuals, in coordination with the Philippine Dental Association.
He said the operations were the result of the PNP-ACG’s proactive cyber patrolling.
“Actually, marami na pong nagbe-venture (many have been venturing) into this kind of illegal activity at nakita nilang medyo lucrative itong illegal business na ito (and we found it is a lucrative business),” Yang said in a media interview at Camp Crame.
One of those arrested was a 25-year-old man caught in the act of installing dental braces on a police officer posing as a patient inside a hotel in Cotabato City.
Yang said the suspect had no formal training or education in dentistry and was self-taught through online resources. Most of his clients were students who paid minimal fees for the procedures.
He warned the public about the risks of getting procedures from unlicensed individuals, even if these cost cheaper.
“These fake dentists offering service without a license can cause serious risks, including health complications, financial loss, the spread of infections, and long-term damage to your teeth. If you are aware of anyone offering unauthorized dental services, report it immediately to the nearest ACG office for appropriate action,” he said. (PNA)
