Gatchalian urges action on love scams victimizing Filipinos and Australians

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged local government units and law enforcement agencies to strengthen measures against love scams that victimize both locals and foreign nationals.

According to the Australian Federal Police, Philippine-based scammers have already gained around AUS$24 million from unsuspecting Australians through online dating apps, with 5,000 victims reported.

Gatchalian emphasized that these scams tarnish Filipinos' reputation abroad and may affect job opportunities for Filipino workers, filing Senate Resolution No. 1317 to investigate the proliferation of love scams and other online frauds previously perpetrated by Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

He called for closer cooperation between Philippine law enforcement agencies like the PNP and NBI with foreign counterparts to combat such criminal activities.

The senator also highlighted that some Filipinos are victims of love scams but hesitate to report them due to societal judgment, urging awareness and education on online safety.

Gatchalian suggested filing criminal charges against perpetrators of love scams to prevent future incidents and noted the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement measures regarding POGOs.