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| (Image Source: Batangas Provincial Public Information Office/Jhay-R Cantada) |
The Provincial Government of Batangas has intensified measures to address and completely eradicate the persistent spread of online booking scams victimizing tourists visiting the province. In this regard, the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) conducted a "Follow-Through Monitoring Meeting on Online Booking Scam" last September 2, 2026 which was attended by resort owners, representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT) IV-A, local tourism offices, Batangas provincial government offices, and various government agencies.
The meeting aimed to monitor the measures taken following previous discussions regarding online booking scam incidents as well as to identify additional steps to strengthen the protection of tourists and tourism establishments in Batangas. A highlight of the meeting was the participation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (DICT-CICC) which shared new guidelines and mechanisms for addressing online scams. The DICT-CICC emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to effectively combat online scams. This entails collaborations among government agencies, the private sector, the academe, and other organizations to develop strategic and tactical solutions against the constantly evolving and increasingly sophisticated methods used by scammers. The DICT-CICC also introduced the Scam Verification Portal which is expected to help the public verify authentic and legitimate websites and social media accounts of registered tourism establishments. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police – Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (PNP – RACU) IV-A reported that online booking scams are among the top 10 online fraudulent schemes. In response, the police force continues its efforts to identify, investigate, and prevent incidents related to online booking scams. DOT IV-A Regional Director Marites Castro, on the other hand, reiterated reminders, particularly as the "ber months" and holiday season approach — a time when the number of tourists booking accommodations and other tourism-related services is expected to rise. Recommended measures include strengthening verification systems for online bookings, establishing clear payment policies, regularly monitoring social media pages and booking platforms, and promptly issuing public advisories regarding fake accounts and fraudulent promotions.
Castro also emphasized the importance of sustained information campaigns and maintaining a database of reported incidents to track cases and identify patterns of fraud which could aid in formulating more effective preventive measures. Tourism establishment owners were also urged to secure accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and register with the PTCAO as part of efforts to promote a legitimate and responsible tourism industry in the province. According to Castro, establishing and growing a tourism-related business is no easy task; thus, incidents involving online booking scams deal a significant blow to resort and establishment owners. She also emphasized that tourism stakeholders and the government share a common goal: ensuring that tourism establishment owners can conduct their businesses properly and that tourists can safely spend their hard-earned money on legitimate services. Meanwhile, PTCAO Head Jaida Castillo — under the continued guidance of Governor Vilma Santos-Recto — assured that the office would remain focused on addressing the issue of online booking scams. According to Castillo, the PTCAO will continue to partner with resort owners, tourism stakeholders, and other agencies in implementing measures to protect tourists and maintain confidence in Batangas tourism establishments. Ultimately, while some resort owners still face issues regarding online booking scams, the press conference held last May 4, 2026 proved highly beneficial as it served as the initial step taken by the provincial government and partner agencies to address the sophisticated schemes employed by online scammers.
4th District Board Member Marcus Mendoza and Sangguniang Kabataan Batangas Federation President and Board Member Voltaire Aedrian Pua also attended and actively participated in the follow-through monitoring meeting, both expressing their support as representatives of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Batangas.
(With words by Mark Jonathan M. Macaraig, Batangas Provincial Public Information Office)
