Samal Island Police Issue Urgent Warning on Escalating Online Resort Booking Scams
The Philippine National Police in the Island Garden City of Samal (PNP-Igacos) has issued a critical public advisory regarding a concerning surge in online scams specifically targeting tourists planning beach and resort vacations on the island. Authorities are urging heightened vigilance to protect travelers from financial fraud.
Direct Verification Recommended by Police Chief
Police Lieutenant Colonel Hamlet Montejo Lerios, the chief of PNP-Igacos, emphasized the importance of thorough verification in a statement released on January 26, 2026. He strongly advised the public to avoid dealing with individuals who falsely claim affiliation with legitimate resort owners on Samal Island.
"Mas gwapo mismo kamo personal adtoa ninyo sa mga offices nila para didtoa nalang mo mag reserve kung gusto ninyo mag-enjoy here sa Samal (It's better if you personally go to their offices so you can make your reservation there if you want to enjoy here in Samal)," Lerios stated, highlighting the safest method for securing accommodations.
Pattern of Deception and Ongoing Investigations
Lerios revealed that several incidents have been reported where scammers introduced themselves as representatives of major Igacos resorts, only to be exposed as fraudsters. Initial investigations indicate that some suspects originate from the Davao Region and Metro Manila, demonstrating the organized nature of these operations.
Despite the challenges, the police office remains confident in its ability to identify perpetrators. Authorities assured that scammers cannot easily hide, as mobile phones used in transactions can be traced with assistance from the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Unit. However, Lerios acknowledged that this investigative process requires considerable time and coordination.
Legal Measures and Telecommunications Coordination
The police chief further explained that while immediate arrests may not always be feasible, the identities of scammers will ultimately be uncovered through SIM card registration records. PNP-Igacos is actively coordinating with telecommunications networks and pursuing cyber warrants to facilitate the apprehension of those responsible for these fraudulent schemes.
Local Government Echoes Concerns Over Tourism Impact
This warning follows a similar advisory issued by the Samal local government unit in November 2025, which cited reports of scammers creating fake Facebook pages impersonating local resorts to deceive potential visitors.
Councilor Anne David, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, expressed deep concern about the damaging effects on the island's reputation and economy. "Grabe ang akong kaguol niini kay dako kaayo'g epekto sa atong isla tungod ang ubang mga resort owners naga-reklamo kay ang uban they will not refer Samal kay masayang lang ang ilang kwarta (I'm really worried about this because it has a huge impact on our island. Some resort owners are complaining that others will no longer refer Samal since their money would just be wasted)," she told GMA Regional TV.
Councilor David noted that scammers are not only fabricating resort bookings but also illegally collecting environmental fees, compounding the financial harm to unsuspecting tourists.
Practical Safety Guidelines for Tourists
The local government has provided specific recommendations to help tourists avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Verify the legitimacy of resort Facebook pages directly through the City Tourism Office, as a high follower count does not guarantee authenticity.
- Carefully examine online reviews for consistency and credibility before making any reservations.
- Exercise extreme caution when asked to deposit payments into personal bank accounts, as legitimate businesses typically use official corporate accounts.
Both police and local officials stress that personal verification at resort offices remains the most reliable method to ensure secure bookings and protect against the growing threat of online vacation scams in Samal Island.
