Senator Calls for Heightened Public Awareness Campaign Against Online Romance Scams

Senator Joel Villanueva has called for a more robust public education campaign to combat the rising tide of online romance scams, following a report from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) that documented eight cases in January alone. The previous year saw a total of 72 such incidents. Villanueva stressed the importance of using technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), responsibly to fight cybercrime rather than allowing it to be a means of exploitation. In a statement released on Friday, he highlighted the potential of technology to improve lives, not to cause harm, and urged that AI be harnessed for positive purposes. He voiced concerns about the growing complexity of these scams and their connections to organized cybercrime networks. On a day meant to celebrate love, Villanueva lamented the exploitation occurring under false pretenses, calling it both shameful and disheartening. He also raised alarms about the involvement of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in these fraudulent activities, noting that while these operations evolve, their criminal nature persists. Villanueva encouraged the PNP-ACG to intensify its efforts in educating the public on recognizing and steering clear of such scams, emphasizing that education is crucial as the first line of defense against these crimes.