‘Chop-chop’ ring in Metro old hoax – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police yesterday belied posts circulating on social media regarding the existence of an alleged “chop-chop”group operated by PNP officers and targeting motorists in the National Capital Region.

“This misinformation has been circulating since 2017. There have been no reported incidents to date that match the description provided in the message. The details presented appear to be entirely fabricated,” PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a statement.

The PNP issued the statement following a social media post that went viral, warning motorists against a crime ring allegedly targeting motorists in various areas in Metro Manila, including Green Meadows and Valle Verde in Pasig, Binondo in Manila and C5 Road near Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The post said a 30-year-old person escaped falling victim to a scam orchestrated by people posing as police officers.

Acorda called on the public to refrain from posting unverified information online, which causes undue panic and fear.

He also urged netizens to verify the accuracy of such information before disseminating it on social media.

The Southern Police District (SPD) also denied the existence of a “chop-chop” group involving police officers.

“There have been no reported incidents or any victims who asked for assistance from any of the police stations in southern Metro Manila,” the SPD said in a statement. “Validation has been made and found no truth to any of the claims in the social media post.”

According to the SPD, there is a possibility that the posts currently circulating on social media are a “resurgence of an old hoax.”

“It is worth noting that a similar Facebook post has circulated in previous years, suggesting a modus operandi involving individuals posing as police officers to execute scams,” the statement read.

The SPD has intensified police visibility in crime-prone areas to ensure the safety and security of the public.