MANILA — Authorities arrested 168 employees of an online lending firm allegedly involved in widespread borrower harassment during an inter-agency raid at a high-rise office in Pasig City, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced Tuesday.

The joint operation took place at the 22nd floor of Robinsons Equitable Tower, the main hub of Creditable Lending Corporation, the company operating the Easy Peso mobile lending app.

Led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the raid was carried out in coordination with the PAOCC, the National Privacy Commission (NPC), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A search warrant was issued by Manila RTC Branch 46 for the operation.

Authorities seized hundreds of desktop computers and company-issued mobile phones reportedly used in harassing borrowers. They also recovered pre-registered SIM cards, text blasters, and prepared scripts used in abusive debt collection tactics.

The crackdown followed months of surveillance and was bolstered by testimony from a former employee who exposed internal practices of harassment and deception. Victims allegedly received instructions to pay via personal GCash and bank accounts but were continuously hounded by collectors even after payments were made.

The raid came shortly after the suicide of a Valenzuela City man, who had reportedly been severely harassed by individuals linked to Easy Peso.

“May isang buhay na nawala dahil sa pang-aabuso ng isang lending app. Hindi utang ang pumatay sa kanya kundi ‘yung walang-awang pangha-harass,” said PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz.

“To each victim, don’t be scared. You are not alone. The government is here ready to help you,” he added.

The SEC is now reviewing the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory standards, saying the firm appeared to exploit systemic loopholes while claiming legitimacy.

Charges are being prepared against those involved for alleged violations of the Data Privacy Act of 2012, the Truth in Lending Act, and the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act. (PNA)