Iloilo City police warn of scammer impersonating police chief

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has warned the public against a scammer impersonating Police Col. Wilbert Parilla, the city police director, to solicit money and mobile phone load.

The warning follows reports of individuals posing as high-ranking police officials to obtain money or favors from unsuspecting victims.

Police said the modus operandi has remained largely unchanged over the years, with scammers sending messages to their targets requesting mobile phone load or small amounts of cash through mobile wallets.

Parilla learned about the impersonation attempt after an Iloilo City Engineering Office official informed him that someone had been sending text messages claiming to be “Colonel Parilla.”

The impersonator reportedly requested regular mobile phone load worth PHP 1,000 for each of four phone numbers, with payment to be made through the GCash mobile wallet.

Police Maj. Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, said it was the first reported incident involving someone impersonating Parilla to solicit mobile phone load.

“But we have encountered several incidents like this with the past city directors,” she said.

Sangrines urged the public to remain vigilant against similar scams, particularly requests for money or favors supposedly coming from senior police officials.

“Please don’t believe that the city director would ask for cellphone loads or money,” she said.

She emphasized that such requests are inconsistent with Parilla’s character, values and principles.

“We advised the public is advised not to entertain such calls, comply with these requests, or send mobile phone load,” she added.

Sangrines encouraged residents who receive similar messages or calls to report them immediately to the nearest police station for investigation.

The ICPO advised the public to verify suspicious requests directly with the police before sending money or mobile phone load to anyone claiming to represent a police official.