25/05/2026
SEC and PNP join forces to combat online investment scams in Central Luzon
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
25 May 2026
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to protect and empower the investing public in Central Luzon against online investment scams and cyber-related financial crimes.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of MOA between SEC’s Tarlac Extension Office (Tareo) and PNP’s Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 3 (RACU 3).
Tareo Director Richard Laus said the event was part of the SEC Communication, Advocacy and Network (SEC-CAN) campaign.
He underscored the significance of the partnership in empowering communities through education and awareness, saying that through the partnership, SEC Tareo and RACU 3 reaffirm their commitment to intensify efforts against online investment scams and cyber-related financial crimes.
“By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to strengthen public awareness, promote responsible investing and provide communities with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves from fraudulent schemes,” said Laus.
Col. Miguel Guzman, RACU 3 chief, similarly emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in addressing evolving cyberthreats and protecting the public from financial scams.
He said the collaboration represents both agency’s shared commitment to protecting the public, strengthening cybersecurity efforts and ensuring the integrity of financial and corporate activities in the communities.
“As cyberthreats continue to evolve, partnerships such as this are essential in promoting effective coordination, information sharing and enforcement initiatives,” added Guzman.
Under the agreement, SEC-Tareo and RACU 3 will jointly conduct seminars, trainings, consultations and public information initiatives geared toward promoting responsible investing, enhancing cybersecurity awareness and protecting the investing public from fraudulent investment schemes proliferating online across the region.
Both agencies also noted that with the growing prevalence of online scams and cyber-enabled financial crimes, the partnership will serve as a proactive step toward strengthening public trust, awareness and protection in the digital age.
Also present during the signing ceremony who stood as witnesses were Securities Counsel 2 Charito Bañez-Santiago and MSgt. Mark Joseph Pesigan.