By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Aware that modern technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used for nefarious activities, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos has warned scammers to stop their illicit activities immediately as the proverbial long arm of the law will soon catch up with them.

Abalos issued the warning after he attended in Lingayen, Pangasinan on Friday (23 February 2024) the first court hearing of the estafa, spoofing, and identity theft charges against an individual who was arrested in December for duping local government officials by pretending to be the DILG chief

“Maganda po ang teknolohiya; ngunit nakakatakot din, lalo na’t kayang-kaya ng Artificial Intelligence gayahin ang boses at pagtawa natin na maaaring magamit sa panloloko,” Abalos told reporters outside Lingayen Municipal Trial Court.

Despite the ingenuity of the scammers in modern technology, the DILG chief still warned that their days are numbered.

“Para sa mga mapagsamantala — tumigil na kayo at mahuhuli namin kayo!” Abalos stressed.

(el Amigo/MNM)