“BEWARE!: TOKHANG WATCHLIST SCAM PLAGUES CITIZENS”
Recently, netizens express outrage over a new online scheme proliferated to cause panic among its unsuspecting targets.
A new kind of modus operandi identified as “TELECOM FRAUD” is being monitored by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group as it is reportedly preying on citizens by informing them of their alleged involvement in the PNP’s “narco-list” through the convenience of telecommunication.
Said unscrupulous scheme has fueled uproar among netizens who aver that conspirators would use TEXT BLAST or an SMS text message sent from a single source to a large group of people simultaneously, informing them that they are included in the PNP’s drug watchlist and are subject to “TOKHANG”. Those who will reply to the malicious SMS are likely to fall into these criminals’ trap.
It can be recalled that in 2016 when President RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE assumed office, the PNP strengthened its anti-illegal drugs campaign dubbed as “OPLAN TOKHANG” which literally means “knock and plead”.
“TOKHANG” was designed to encourage individuals who are listed their respective barangay’s drug watchlist to surrender and submit themselves to the government for their recovery or to become “clean” and productive again.
Pursuant to the said drug policy, chosen PNP members assigned in provinces, cities or municipalities conduct house-to-house visitation to localities and residences within their areas of responsibilty together with representatives of Barangay Office to personally persuade a drug personality to turn their back on their drug-related illegal activities.
Thus, PCSUPT MARNI C MARCOS JR, Director PNP ACG emphasizes that “OPLAN TOKHANG” is never in anyway being conducted through PHONE CALLS, TEXT MESSAGES or any other means of digital communication, as there are proper procedures or protocols in determining the circumstances that will make an alleged drug personality or any individuals involved in illegal drugs to be subjected to “TOKHANG”.
“Never submit yourself into any scam as this one, remember that OPLAN TOKHANG is initiated by a PNP member in uniform and present in a person listed in a drug watchlist in his/her known address, accompanied by a Barangay Official”, the Director of ACG said.
With the proliferation of this telecom fraud anchored on the government’s war against illegal drugs, PCSUPT MARCOS JR., reminds the public to consider the following once you receive a call or text message informing you that you are listed in the drug watchlist:
1. The PNP or the Philippine Government in general NEVER uses telecommunication (call, SMS, and the likes) in conducting OPLAN TOKHANG;
2. If you know that you are not involved in any illegal drug activities, then do not be alarmed by any call or text you will receive and just IGNORE them; OR
3. Preserve text messages and the number used by the scammer by taking a screenshot - as it can be used as lead to identify the person behind it;
4. Report the same to the nearest PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group Office or police station in your location;
Furthermore, PCSUPT MARCOS JR, encourages everyone to be vigilant in engaging to any online activities as criminals nowadays utilize the convenience of technology in carrying out their sinister motives. Be smart!
To know more about this kind of scam or to report an incident of cybercrime, you may call PNP ACG HOTLINE at 414-2199 or visit PNP ACG facebook page: “PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group”. Mariquita Pangilinan
