MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested 10 individuals in Bacoor City for alleged violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act.

In a statement, the NBI said the operation was carried out by the NBI-Cavite North District Office (NBI-CAVIDO North) under the leadership of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.).

Authorities said they received information on illegal online activities being conducted inside two residential houses in Bacoor, Cavite, owned by a foreign national and operated by Filipino employees. After surveillance, NBI agents secured a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD).

On August 19, NBI-CAVIDO North, with the assistance of local police, implemented the warrant in the target houses, where the suspects were caught communicating with clients using fictitious social media accounts. Agents also confiscated numerous SIM cards and cellular phones.

An on-site examination by the NBI Cybercrime Division showed that the suspects were engaged in fraudulent activities, using data, scripts, notes, spiels, and programs to carry out illegal access, misuse of devices, computer-related fraud, and social engineering schemes.

The arrested individuals were presented for inquest proceedings before the Bacoor City Prosecutor’s Office.

Santiago urged the public to remain cautious when using digital platforms, warning that online crimes are “increasing rampantly.”