Photo credit: Benhur Abalos

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has presented to the media a scammer, identified as Edison Samson Montealto, a.k.a. Larry Abalos. Montealto, a member of a syndicate, was apprehended in an entrapment operation conducted by the Office of Internal Security of the DILG in collaboration with the Lingayen Police Station on December 7, 2023.

Sec. Abalos revealed that they received numerous complaints from various mayors and governors regarding Montealto's scheme of deceiving local officials by impersonating him and extorting money in his name.

Among the victims of the suspect are Governor Abdulraof Macacua of Maguindanao Del Norte, Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao of Cotabato City, Mayor Arsenia Lim of Masinloc, Zambales, Mayor Receliste Escolin of President Roxas, Capiz, and Governor Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar.

Abalos explained the scammer's modus operandi, stating that Montealto would pose as Secretary Abalos, promising assistance like sending rice and then fabricating emergencies, asking for financial aid via GCash, and even having someone posing as "Larry Abalos" call the victims.

The total amount scammed from victims is estimated to be around P150,000. Montealto is now facing charges of spoofing under Republic Act (RA) No. 11934 or the Sim Registration Act, as well as charges of Identity Theft under RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act and Estafa.

Spoofing involves sending false information about the origin of a call or text message with the intent to deceive, harm, or steal any amount.

Sec. Abalos cautioned the public to be vigilant against scammers using his name.