PNP warns public vs Airbnb, Rent-tangay schemes this Undas 2025

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are warning the public to be extra vigilant against online scams, particularly those involving fake Airbnb listings and fraudulent vehicle rental or “rent-tangay” schemes, as millions of Filipinos prepare to travel for Undas 2025.

At the DILG Media Forum, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño said the campaign is part of the PNP’s commitment to the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the DILG to ensure a safe, orderly, and scam-free observance of Undas.

“Patuloy tayong nagpaalala sa mga kababayan natin kaugnay sa mga scam online tulad nung sa Airbnb and ‘yong mga for rent kung saan pupunta po ‘yung ating mga kababayan. Kapag ito ay too good to be true, it is probably is. Ibig sabihin po pag masyado siyang mura, probably ito ay scam,” said Tuaño.

He added that the PNP will intensify public information efforts through the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to caution travelers against fraudulent rental transactions and other “rent-tangay” schemes. “Magpapalabas din po ng anunsyo ang ating PNP para naman po ito do’n sa mga magre-rent naman po ng mga sasakyan o ‘yong mga rent tangay,” he said.

The PNP assured that, aside from information drives, police units nationwide will continue to deploy personnel to conduct checkpoints and anti-crime patrols to sustain the reduction of eight focus crimes, including theft, robbery, and car theft, during the Undas period.

In the same forum, Fire Superintendent Bonifacio C. Carta of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire bureau is also carrying out Oplan Kaluluwa and Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan, focusing on fire prevention and emergency response in cemeteries, terminals, and communities. “Ang mga bumbero natin ay umiikot sa paligid sa lahat ng mga convergence area para magbigay ng paalala ngayong panahon ng Undas,” said Carta.

The BFP also assured the public that it remains ready to respond to emergencies and disasters, urging everyone to call National Emergency Hotline 911 for immediate assistance.

Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Maricar Bautista assured that the country’s transportation systems are prepared for the Undas rush, saying that all ports, terminals, and railways have been inspected and are placed on heightened alert to manage the expected surge of passengers and tourists.

“Ang gusto lang namin i-over emphasize bukod sa lahat ng mga preparations ay sana magbaon ho tayong lahat especially ‘yung mga nag- drive ng lamig ng ulo especially lately maraming road rage diyan,” said Bautista. “Sa mga commuters naman po nandito kami nakaantabay kung mayroon mga kailangan ng tulong or assistance, tumawag lang ho kayo,” she added.

Likewise, Manila North Cemetery Assistant Director Anthony Tirol Escueta and San Juan City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Head Brian Geli also encouraged all cemetery and columbaria visitors to monitor their LGUs’ dedicated social media pages for concerns and detailed reminders ahead of their visit.

The DILG emphasized that vigilance, cooperation, and public awareness are essential to ensuring a safe, secure, and meaningful Undas 2025 in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision anchored on peace, order, and shared community responsibility.