The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) arrested eight individuals in a coordinated nationwide operation targeting the illegal online sale of e-wallet accounts, authorities said.
The five-hour crackdown was conducted on Jan. 21, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., through three simultaneous entrapment operations carried out by different ACG units across the country.
According to the PNP, five female suspects were arrested in Novaliches, Quezon City by the Cyber Financial Crime Unit.
Two other suspects were apprehended in San Isidro, Davao Oriental by operatives of the Davao Oriental Provincial Cyber Response Team.
Another male suspect was arrested in Ermita, Manila by the Manila District Anti-Cybercrime Team.
Investigators said the suspects were allegedly involved in selling e-wallet accounts online, a practice often linked to cyber-enabled fraud and online scams.
All eight individuals are facing charges for violation of Section 5(d) of Republic Act No. 12010, or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), and Section 11(g) of Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Registration Act, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
PNP-ACG acting director Police Brigadier General Wilson C. Asueta commended the operatives for the successful operation and warned against the misuse of e-wallet accounts.
“Electronic wallet accounts must remain personal. Any form of selling or sharing enables cyber-enabled scams. The public is urged to practice responsible digital use and report cybercrime,” Asueta said.
