Bacolod police chief alarmed over sensitive data collection

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – It could be a potential threat to national security.

Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, the newly-designated officer-in-charge of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), emphasized this concern following reports of unauthorized sensitive information collection from individuals in exchange for a small amount of money.

Coronica reported they had identified a woman who was allegedly taking photos of individuals’ identification cards (IDs) in various barangays.

However, no complaints have been filed, as the individuals consented to the collection of their information.

In a press briefing yesterday at the BCPO headquarters, Coronica instructed all police station commanders to investigate the purpose behind these actions thoroughly.

Based on received information, the collected data is supposedly intended for e-wallet transactions.

“But, why use another person’s identity for an e-wallet?” he questioned.

“This is not new to me,” Coronica said, recalling a similar operation in Iloilo City where they arrested several Chinese nationals and uncovered a cybersex hub during a raid.

Coronica acknowledged that with technological advancements, the incident might be part of a syndicate due to various connections.

He discussed this matter with Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez this week, and the latter directed the City Legal Office (CLO) to conduct an investigation.

Coronica also ordered BCPO intelligence personnel to identify individuals who sold their IDs for P300 to P400 to a woman described as Chinese-looking but appearing as Filipina based on her documents.

He said he would consider her Filipina for now but refused to disclose specific details about the woman while her identity was still being verified.

The incident was first reported in Barangay Estefania early this month, prompting Police Station 4 to verify the information and identify the woman involved.

“This is alarming because it is difficult to be an incorporator without your knowledge,” Coronica remarked.

“I suspect she will use a different name in her transactions, because why else would she pay for their IDs?” he added.

“All of us, not just the police, should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities,” Coronica said.