PHILIPPINES: Regulatory Crackdowns against Loan Apps

The Philippines has established a coordinated, multi-agency approach to combating illegal loan apps, led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) in coordination with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and National Privacy Commission (NPC) .

Key Actions Taken

Complaint Data

Authorities have recorded more than 47,400 complaints against online lending firms since 2024, with borrowers reporting threats, public shaming, and unauthorized access to personal contact lists .

Documented Harassment Cases

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated, "We have documented cases where photos were manipulated to humiliate and intimidate borrowers. This is unacceptable and warrants police intervention" .

Intensified Crackdown

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has been ordered to intensify efforts to track down and build cases against operators involved in online harassment, privacy breaches, and other cybercrime offenses .

Public Advisory

The PNP has urged the public to deal only with lenders registered with the SEC. Victims of harassment are advised to:

• Document all evidence (screenshots, messages)
• Report incidents immediately to the nearest police station or the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group
• Avoid engaging with threats
• Save all evidence before reporting 

Government Warnings

The PAOCC has warned that legitimate business operations should not involve harassment or coercion, noting that such practices point to criminal activity requiring immediate intervention .