MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) is investigating the alleged dubious online greetings on social media.

This, after the online group, Cyber Security Philippines-CERT warned about online links containing holiday greetings that are allegedly being used by hackers to gather personal information of netizens.

The group said this modus used by criminal elements brings the user to another site when the online greeting link is clicked.

Most of these links ask for personal data of the users for them to be able to enter the site.

The PNP-ACG said this kind of scam prevails during the holiday season.

“Tini-take advantage ng mga masasamang loob ‘yung pagkakataon na mayroong pera, bonus ‘yung ating mga kababayan. At syempre, ‘yung ating mga salary, pumapasok na automated na,” said PCpt. Jeck Robin Gammad, PNP-ACG Public Information Office chief.

Authorities advise the netizens not to open any suspicious-looking websites, especially those that ask for personal information.

“Iniimbestigahan pa natin dahil hindi tayo sigurado kung ito ba’y makasasama o makabubuti sa atin personally at sa ating mga personal information, huwag na lang muna natin siyang i-click,” Gammad added.

In case, the link is accidentally clicked and opened, the authorities advise to change the password of all social media accounts, especially online banking account applications; reset web browers; and update the anti-virus and anti-malware software in the computer and smartphones. (from the report of Harlene Delgado) /mbmf

MANILA, Philippines— One day before the New Year’s Eve, City Mayor Isko Moreno appealed to those who will spend the revelry at the Luneta Park to keep the place clean and sanitary.

And with the appeal comes the warning that those who will be caught leaving or throwing garbage indiscriminately will be arrested and will face serious charges.

This, after the local chief executive saw the dismal state of the park with tons of trash thrown indiscriminately after people gathered in the area on December 25.

Moreno said that keeping the park clean is part of the country’s manifestation of respect for the place where the shrine of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, is located.

“Dumating sila malinis, umalis silang malinis. Kung nabubuhay lang si Rizal baka pinagsisipa sila noon,” Moreno said in jest.

In the city’s commemoration of the 123^rd death anniversary of Rizal, Moreno said people must emulate the national hero’s concern for his fellowmen that led to the freedom that the present generation is enjoying.

He stressed that this can be shown through abiding by rules and law, particularly in throwing garbage in designated receptacles.

With this, Moreno underscored that the local government will strictly enforce the law in the city.

“We might arrest people doing littering on December 31. So kung gusto nyong magbagong taon sa kulungan magtapon ho kayo ng basura. Kung ayaw nyo naman malulugod naman kami. Ilagay nyo lang sa tamang lalagyan,” Moreno said. — (from the report of Bernard Dadis) /mbmf

MANILA, Philippines – Several branches of some banks in the country will remain open to serve clients during the holiday season.

In separate advisories, the schedules of some banks are the following:

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)

• Some branches are open on December 21 and December 28
• Select branches of BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank will extend banking hours on weekdays from December 9, 2019 to January 3, 2020

BDO Unibank

• Select branches will be open on Dec. 24, 30 and 31
• ATMs and electronic banking will be available

Visit the following links to see the complete banking schedule of BDO for the following dates: December 24, December 30, and December 31.

The PSBANK, meanwhile, advised its clients that all its branches will be closed on December 24, 25, 30 and 31, and on January 1, 2020.

However, it assured that all its ATMs, mobile and online banking facilities will be available for use during the holidays.