Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday warned senior citizens against individuals posing as government workers to gain access to their homes and steal money and valuables.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP stated that police units have been tasked to coordinate with concerned government agencies and investigate reports involving people impersonating government personnel to offer supposed financial assistance. This directive followed reported incidents in Talisay City, Cebu, and Ibajay, Aklan, where suspects allegedly used offers of government assistance to gain entry into the homes of elderly residents.

In Cebu, two men reportedly introduced themselves as employees of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and claimed they were distributing PHP6,000 in financial aid. The suspects allegedly gained the trust of a 77-year-old man and entered his house on the pretext of conducting a checkup. They reportedly took his PHP60,000 necklace and a wallet containing PHP600. OSCA later denied that the men were its employees and said no such aid distribution was being conducted.

In Aklan, a woman allegedly introduced herself as a representative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and offered a senior citizen PHP10,000 in assistance. She asked for the victim's Senior Citizen ID and was allowed inside after saying she needed to use the bathroom. Two other individuals later entered the house. After the group left, the victim discovered that an envelope containing PHP15,000 and 140 euros was missing. The group also reportedly attempted to approach another senior citizen in Kalibo but was stopped by the victim's grandchild.

"The PNP strongly condemns this modus and will not allow criminals to take advantage of our senior citizens," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. He urged the public to verify the identity and authorization of anyone claiming to represent a government agency before accepting offers of assistance. "The public should always verify the identity and authorization of anyone claiming to represent a government agency, especially those offering financial assistance. Do not surrender personal identification cards or allow strangers into your homes without first confirming their identity with the concerned agency or local authorities," he said.

He also urged senior citizens to seek assistance from family members, neighbors, or police when approached by suspicious individuals.