Chinese-looking woman sought for data theft in Bacolod

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Bacolod is searching for a Chinese-looking woman accused of collecting sensitive information from individuals here.

Lawyer Jose Gabriel Jr., NBI-Bacolod executive officer, stated in a recent interview that they have been unable to locate the woman, who owns a store in a local mall.

Gabriel said they visited her rented apartment and store, but her staff reported that she has not been seen since the news of the unauthorized data collection broke.

“Hindi pa namin siya ma-locate,” Gabriel said, adding that they are trying to establish her address or whereabouts to issue a subpoena.

Police previously considered the Chinese-looking woman a Filipino, based on her presented documents, but they have not provided further details as they continue to verify her identity.

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

The woman allegedly took photos of individuals and their identification cards (IDs) in exchange for P100 to P400, supposedly for e-wallet transactions. Authorities fear this information might be used for illicit purposes.

Gabriel mentioned that they have taken statements from 11 of the 13 individuals who allegedly transacted with the woman and are preparing their complaint affidavits.

Gabriel said these individuals decided to file complaints after understanding the possible consequences.

“They eventually cooperated and did not hesitate because it’s for their protection in the future in case their IDs are used for illegal activities,” he added.

He also mentioned that they are trying to identify the woman’s alleged male companion. They might be charged with identity theft or violating Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has expressed concern and directed the City Legal Office (CLO) to conduct a thorough investigation, as the collected information might be used for identity theft or money laundering.