PAOCC: More than 86 victims file complaints vs online lending operators

PAOCC

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) reported that more than 86 victims of abusive online lending operators filed complaints on Saturday.

PAOCC said in a statement that the victims who suffered harassment, threats, or intimidation from online lending applications (OLAs) showed up at their office as early as 6 a.m. to file their sworn statements.

“Many had traveled long distances, hoping to be heard finally,” the PAOCC said.

It added that the United Online Lending Applications Victims Movement, a civil society organization helping and guiding victims of online lending harassment, was also present at the mass filing.

READ: Gov’t cracks down on abusive online lending apps

The PAOCC emphasized that the illegal tactics used by OLAs—including public shaming, doxing, coercive messaging, and threats—violate data privacy, lending regulations, and human dignity.

According to PAOCC Usec. Gilberto DC Cruz, the move of more than 86 complainants on Saturday is “a clear sign that more Filipinos are choosing to assert their rights and fight back against abuse.”

“We are currently handling approximately 150 formal complaints, and we expect this number to increase as more victims come forward. These abusive practices must end, and we are committed to holding perpetrators accountable,” Cruz said.

On Monday, the PAOCC launched a campaign to crack down on abusive OLAs and to provide victims sufficient legal remedies. /cb