PNP Orders Cybercrime Probe After Fake Profile Impersonates Police Chief
The Philippine National Police on Sunday warned the public against a fake Facebook account that is using the photograph of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and ordered a cybercrime investigation into the impersonation.
According to an Inquirer report posted at 2:17 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the warning followed the discovery of a fraudulent Facebook account bearing the name “Jose Melencio Corpus” and using Nartatez’s photo.
The PNP said the account is unauthorized and is neither an official police page nor affiliated with the Office of the Chief PNP, the Manila Times reported on Sunday. An official advisory graphic released by the PNP marked a locked Facebook profile under the name “Jose Melencio Corpuz” as fake or unauthorized.
In a statement on Sunday, Nartatez condemned the unauthorized use of his identity and directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to immediately investigate and identify the individual or group behind the impersonation account.
“This is a deliberate attempt to misuse my identity and exploit the public’s trust in the Philippine National Police,” he said.
“We will not allow anyone to use the name of the PNP or its officials to deceive, intimidate, or take advantage of any of our kababayan (fellow citizens),” he added.
ABS-CBN News, in a report posted at 11:43 a.m. on Sunday, said such fake accounts may try to trick people into transferring cash or disclosing sensitive information.
Nartatez also instructed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to coordinate with Meta for account verification, the preservation of digital evidence, and the prompt takedown of the fraudulent profile.
The PNP urged the public not to accept friend requests, engage in conversations, or respond to requests involving money, personal data, or favors coming from unverified accounts claiming to represent police officials.
Those who have received messages from the account were advised to take screenshots and report them to Facebook and the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.
The PNP said it would pursue legal action against those behind the bogus account and instructed police units to strengthen monitoring of similar impersonation pages.
Authorities reminded the public to rely only on the PNP’s verified social media accounts and official communication channels for announcements and information.
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