Naga: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a man for allegedly posing as a priest to defraud people through online solicitations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI's Naga District Office (NADO) responded to a complaint that the suspect used the clergy's name and photograph to deceive targets into sending money through a mobile e-wallet account. Investigators recovered marked money and a mobile device used by the man in an entrapment operation.

"We will not allow criminals to exploit the trust and goodwill of the public through fake online identities," NBI Acting Director Angelito Magno said. The suspect is facing charges for identity theft under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The NBI urged the public to exercise heightened caution by verifying all online requests for financial assistance and reporting suspicious social media accounts or activities to law enforcement agencies.