Manila, Oct. 12 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified online surveillance and enforcement against individuals and groups exploiting drought-related concerns through deceptive claims and fraudulent marketing of water treatment products.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to step up monitoring of online scams involving water purification products and other fraudulent offers targeting vulnerable consumers.

"The PNP will investigate individuals or groups that spread misleading claims about water purification products if these are used to defraud the public," Nartatez said in a statement Monday.

The directive came as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported ongoing coordina...