Four junior high school students were scammed by a man impersonating a DepEd employee in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, on Monday, August 25.
DepEd–NIR Public Information Officer Almyr Caezar Dequiña said a man speaking in Tagalog and identified himself as John dela Peña wearing what appeared to be a DepEd uniform approached the students.
He claimed to have health issues and asked for directions, later shifting the conversation to online games, particularly Mobile Legends.
The suspect, claiming he had health issues, immediately gained their trust and then promised to give a P2,500 payment and new phones in exchange for borrowing their phones and Mobile Legend accounts.
He took the students’ phones and went to a computer shop, where he again attempted to get another student’s gadget, but the student fled out of fear.
He then asked one of the four students to go with him to a convenience store for a fund transfer, but they ended up being in the area of San Miguel.
As of now, details regarding their activity in San Miguel remain unclear, Dequiña said.
The student was then dropped off by the suspect via tricycle back to the group.
They waited for hours, yet he didn't return, prompting them to contact the authorities.
Dequiña said that the school authorities are now working closely together with the police to catch the suspect; CCTV camera footage has now been obtained for the identification of the suspect.
Even though this is an isolated case, she reiterates that DepEd emphasizes this matter as serious and prioritizes the safety of students and their personnel.
Efforts to reach and support all victims are now underway, providing them with psychological first aid and debriefing.
DepEd-NIR is now investigating the matter, urging vigilance and reminding people to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from DepEd.
“Learners and teachers must never entrust personal belongings to individuals claiming to be from DepEd without proper validation, and any suspicious person or similar incident must be reported immediately to school and local authorities.”
DepEd-NIR warned the public to remain alert and cooperative in preventing similar fraudulent acts.
