Manila: Authorities warned the public to be extra vigilant against online scams, particularly those involving fake Airbnb listings and fraudulent vehicle rental or ‘rent-tangay’ schemes, as millions of Filipinos prepare to travel for Undas 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson and information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o stated that the PNP will intensify public information efforts through the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to caution travelers against fraudulent rental transactions and other rent-tangay schemes. He emphasized the importance of public awareness, noting that the PNP will release announcements specifically aimed at individuals who plan to rent vehicles, warning them of the risks involved in the rent-tangay modus operandi, where suspects rent vehicles with no intention of returning them.
The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group is set to release an advisory to guide travelers who may be targeted by these online scams. Tua±o highlighted the campaign as part of the PNP’s commitment to the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure a safe, orderly, and scam-free observance of Undas.
Tua±o also cautioned the public about online scams related to Airbnb and rental properties, especially in areas frequently visited during Undas. He advised that if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is, and urged caution when deals appear unusually cheap.
In addition to information campaigns, the PNP assured that police units nationwide will continue to deploy personnel to conduct checkpoints and anti-crime patrols, aiming to sustain the reduction of focus crimes such as theft, robbery, and car theft during the Undas period.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) is closely monitoring the possibility of anti-corruption rallies during Undas. They plan to deploy 13,431 police officers and force multipliers to Metro Manila in anticipation of increased traveler activity. NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo mentioned the readiness of their Reserve Standby Support Force to be deployed in case of sudden rallies, with 600 additional officers from the regional unit on standby if needed.
