ACG cops raid debt collecting agency accused of threats, harassment

Authorities on Thursday shut down the operations of a debt recovery services agency in Pasig City due to its alleged harassment of debtors.

According to Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras,” members of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) raided the firm in Ortigas Center and ordered its closure following reports that its agents are harassing and threatening their clients.

The company was contracted by a lending firm to collect debts.

“'Ipapahanap ko 'yung buong pamilya mo at padadalhan ko ng kung ano-ano.' May mga ganoong statements na nakita dito eh. 'Yun ang tinitingnan natin na wag kumbaga wala naman problema kung maningil ka pero wag mo siyang takutin,” PNP-ACG Police Lieutenant Colonel Jay Guillermo said.

(Debtors said they receive messages like ‘We will find your family and send them things’. That’s what we’re looking at. It’s okay to collect debts but do not threaten those indebted.)

The company officials denied the accusations but said it is possible that some of their agents may have harassed several debtors.

“Polite naman kami. Kung ayaw naman ni client magbayad e-explain na lang natin kung ano ang magiging possible consequences,” branch manager Sonny Buron said.

(We’re polite. If the clients do not want to pay, we explain to them what the possible consequences are.)

The seized desktops will undergo forensic examinations to determine if the users have a history of harassment, the report said.

If proven true, the firms and their employees will face charges for violating the Misuse of Device under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), for its part, advised the public to file complaints should they experience similar situations.

“Hinihikayat po natin ang publiko na dumulog sa SEC at ihain ang kanilang reklamo ukol dito sa mapanirang-puri na mga pamamaraan na pangongolekta ng mga utang,” SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department offficial Oliver Leonardo said.

(We’re encouraging the public to file their complaints to the SEC over these damaging methods of collecting money.) — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA News