A 30-YEAR-OLD man was arrested by the Pavia Municipal Police Station (MPS) after he allegedly swindled a businesswoman through a fake GCash transaction in Barangay Pandac, Pavia, Iloilo, on June 27, 2025.
Police Colonel Roland Bulalacao, officer-in-xharge of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo), commended the swift response of Pavia MPS.
“This swift arrest is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our Ilonggo cops,” Bulalacao said.
He said after receiving a victim's report, the team initiated a thorough investigation and hot pursuit operation, leading to the suspect's identification and apprehension in a short time, aiming to send a message to criminals.
Initial investigation showed that around 10:45 p.m. on June 26, 2025, the victim, a 37-year-old store owner identified as alias Malou, reported being swindled by a male customer who claimed to make a GCash payment worth P4,000 using a QR code.
The suspect, later identified as alias Leo, a resident of Barangay Sarawag, Janiuay, Iloilo, left the store immediately after the fake transaction was completed and ignored the victim’s calls to return.
The incident was reported to the Pavia MPS around 11 p.m. of the same day. Acting swiftly under the command of Police Major Nemias P. Pamplona, chief of police of Pavia MPS, officers conducted a hot pursuit operation.
The suspect was arrested around 6:30 a.m. on June 27, 2025, in Barangay Pandac, Pavia, Iloilo, the same barangay where the crime occurred.
Further investigation revealed that alias Leo had a previous record of swindling, using the same modus operandi involving mobile money transactions. He is currently in police custody along with the motorcycle used during the offense.
Appropriate charges for swindling will be filed against him.
The Ippo, led by Bulalacao, is committed to public safety and is executing an operation in line with the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) directive and the Chief of the Philippine National Police (CPNP), ensuring prompt action against criminal elements. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)