By I. Inojales | 08:27 PM January 17, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Four Chinese nationals were arrested on Saturday afternoon, January 17, in an entrapment operation for allegedly scamming several Bohol residents, the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) said.
The suspects were apprehended around 5:39 p.m. along Espuelas Street, Tagbilaran City, through a joint operation led by the BPPO under Provincial Director Police Colonel Patricio Degay Jr., the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) headed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Joemar Pomarejos, and the Tagbilaran City Police Station led by Police Lieutenant Colonel John Kareen Escober.
Police said the suspects had earlier been reported by victims for allegedly selling fake mobile phones and other gadgets at high prices.
Several Boholanos reportedly fell victim to the scheme.
Recovered from the suspects were various mobile phones, cellphone accessories, wristwatches, and cash believed to be payments made by the victims in Tagbilaran City.
Authorities conducted an inventory of the seized items as the BPPO, PIU, and Tagbilaran City Police continue their in-depth investigation into the alleged scam operations of the four suspects.
The suspects had recently gone viral on social media after multiple complaints surfaced regarding their alleged modus operandi. Police said the reports prompted swift action that led to the entrapment operation.
The suspects are currently under police custody and are expected to face appropriate charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
