BY JEN BAYLON

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Bacolod City will conduct an investigation into individuals appearing to be Chinese nationals, who reportedly took photos of licenses owned by tricycle drivers in Barangay Vista Alegre.

In a statement, NBI executive officer Atty. Jose Gabriel, Jr. said they had already identified one of the two “Chinese-looking” women.

Gabriel said the alleged scammers targeted tricycle drivers, and spoke in Hiligaynon to gain their trust.

Earlier, 13 tricycle drivers in Barangay Vista Alegre had reportedly fallen prey to the alleged illegal scheme.

The scammers convinced the victims to give their driver’s licenses for a photo session, in exchange for P400.

One of the drivers, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was motivated to lend his license because he was struggling financially due to a lack of income.

Alleged buying of national government-issued identification cards (IDs) was also happening in other parts of Bacolod.

Meanwhile, Gabriel said NBI-Bacolod is currently investigating the incident and gathering information on the photos taken from the driver’s licenses.

“This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention,” Gabriel said.

He added that one of the suspected scammers was invited to the police station earlier this month, but she was not arrested because it is not a criminal act to take a photo of an ID.

The same individual reportedly went to the said village last June, and took pictures of their IDs.

Gabriel said it is possible that tricycle drivers’ personal details will be used in illegal activities.

He advised the public not to provide sensitive information, amid online scams and identify thefts.

“We urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” Gabriel added.

They have also warned the public against falling prey to similar schemes./JB, WDJ