Online scams via Instagram and Facebook go unchecked

By Ignacio R. Bunye

Published May 26, 2025 12:05 am

SPEAKING OUT

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported a surge in scams flooding Instagram and Facebook. According to WSJ, an internal analysis by Meta revealed that 70 percent of newly active advertisers on its platforms were promoting scams or low-quality products. The culprits? Fraud rings operating from China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

The scale of fraud on Meta’s platforms is expanding, driven by advances in AI, cryptocurrency, and organized crime networks. While regulators and financial institutions are urging stricter enforcement, Meta appears hesitant to disrupt its advertising business. Despite recognizing the issue, Meta has deprioritized scam enforcement, allowing repeat offenders to accumulate multiple violations before facing a ban.

Scammers employ various deceptive strategies to target users. Here are some of the most prevalent methods:

 Phishing scams: Fraudsters impersonate Instagram support, sending messages like, "Your account has been flagged for suspicious activity. Click this link to verify your identity." The link leads to a fake login page designed to steal credentials.

 Fake giveaways and lotteries: A scam account mimics a popular brand and announces, "Congratulations! You’ve won our giveaway. Just pay a small shipping fee to claim your prize." Once the victim sends the money, the scammer vanishes.

 Investment and crypto scams: Flashy posts promise, "Turn $500 into $5,000 in just a week! DM us to start investing." Victims send money, but the promised returns never materialize.

 Romance scams: Scammers build relationships with victims over weeks or months before suddenly claiming, "I need money for an emergency medical procedure. Can you help?" Once funds are sent, the scammer disappears.

 Fake job offers: Ads promote lucrative work-from-home opportunities like, "Earn $2,000 a week with no experience!" Applicants are asked to pay for training materials or provide personal details, only to realize the job doesn’t exist.

 Blackmail and extortion: Known as “sextortion,” scammers manipulate victims into sharing sensitive information or images, then demand payment to prevent exposure. A scammer might pose as a potential romantic interest, gain the victim’s trust, and encourage them to share private content. Once they have compromising material, they issue threats: "Pay up, or I'll expose your personal content to friends, family, or the public."

These scams thrive on urgency, emotional manipulation, and impersonation to deceive users. Staying vigilant and verifying sources before engaging can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes. (totingbunye2000@gmail.com)

Becoming an everyday hero: Embracing acts of kindness and purpose

BY IGNACIO R. BUNYE

Apr 21, 2025 07:22 AM

  

---

SPEAKING OUT

 

During the annual  Araw ng Kagitingan, we paused to honor the remarkable heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who bravely fought and sacrificed during the Battle of Bataan. We also paid tribute to the survivors who endured the harrowing Death March and the hardships of wartime captivity. Their courage continues to inspire us and serves as a reminder to cherish and remember our wartime heroes.

Yet, heroism doesn't belong solely to history books or moments of war. It thrives in the quiet corners of daily life, embodied by ordinary individuals whose unassuming acts of kindness and purpose quietly enrich the world around them. 

True heroism lies in the small yet meaningful gestures that spring from genuine care. It could be as simple as offering your bus seat to someone in need, returning a lost wallet to its rightful owner, or supporting a friend through a tough time. Even a heartfelt smile shared with a stranger has the power to brighten someone's day in immeasurable ways. These small actions remind us of the profound connection and compassion we share as humans.

Volunteering is another pathway to everyday heroism. Whether it's organizing community events, mentoring young Scouts, reading to children in schools, or dedicating time to charitable causes, giving selflessly can ripple outward, inspiring others to act with the same generosity of spirit. 

Standing up for what is right is a brave and heroic choice. Speaking out against injustice, promoting equality, or simply showing compassion in moments when it's most needed can transform lives. Advocacy doesn’t need to be loud or political—it just needs to come from the heart, with the hope of building a better, fairer world.

Being a beacon of positivity is another heroic contribution. Amid life’s challenges, offering encouragement, sharing laughter, or spreading hope can create waves of optimism that uplift everyone around us. Positivity reminds people to persevere and dream, even when the going gets tough.
Caring for the environment through mindful choices—recycling, conserving water, or supporting green initiatives—is also an essential kind of heroism. While these actions might seem small, their collective impact safeguards our planet for future generations. Heroism, in this sense, becomes an act of stewardship for the Earth.

Lastly, practicing gratitude and paying kindness forward adds a special touch of heroism to everyday living. Acknowledging the blessings in our own lives and sharing them with others fosters a contagious cycle of goodwill and appreciation.

Becoming an everyday hero is a call to action for each of us. It’s about recognizing our ability to shape the world one thoughtful deed at a time. Let’s embrace our potential with open hearts and purposeful intent, striving to make life just a little brighter for those around us, every single day. (totingbunye2000@gmail.com)

In the line of duty

 

SPEAKING OUT

Ignacio R. Bunye

The first text message I received early on Aug. 31 asked if I have heard about Rey Samson. “He died yesterday,” the texter said. I was so shocked because I knew that Rey, one of earliest graduates of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa was young and relatively in good health. Subsequent text messages disclosed that Police Lieutenant Rey Samson, who was chief of police of Ampatuan town, and one of his men were killed in an ambush, around 9:40 a.m. of Aug. 30, along the road in Barangay Kapinpilan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Samson and his men were on their way to serve a warrant of arrest when waylaid by still unidentified gunmen.

Immediately there was an outpouring of messages of condolence from friends, former students, former teaching colleagues at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, former mistahs, Masonic brothers as well as a condemnation from the PNP hierarchy of the deadly ambush.

I remember Rey as one of the pioneer students in the Muntinlupa Polytechnic College (MPC) which I, as then Muntinlupa mayor, founded in 1991. The MPC has since been upgraded to university status and renamed Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMUN). After finishing a bachelor’s degree course, Rey never stopped studying. He has been conferred masters degrees in public administration, education and later a PhD in education. He taught at PLMUN, Philippine Public Safety College of Calamba, Laguna and Laguna Northwestern on a subject close to his heart– Security Administration. He sat in the PLMUN board of regents as alumni representative. At the same time, Rey enlisted in the Philippine National Police where he felt he could make a difference.

In a fairly recent Facebook post, Rey described himself as a teacher at heart. I understand that even after he was assigned in Ampatuan, Rey continued to give online lectures. “God put me in the teaching profession, to be a positive influence of change … for the sake of my students’ development and to prepare them for a better future. Salamat oh aking Panginoon sapagkat ako’y ginawa mong guro… guro ng pagbabago para saaking kapwa tao.”

So long Rey. You will be sadly missed.

I received this bit of good news from my good friend BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo. Just two weeks ago, the first BPI Bayanihan Center in the country was unveiled in simple ceremonies in Barangay Malainin, Ibaan, Batangas.

The BPI Bayanihan Center consists of a new two-story building which will provide not only a safe shelter for the people of Batangas in times of calamity but also a health care facility, a livelihood center and a multi-purpose hall for activities that bring the community together.

The 528-square-meter BPI Bayanihan Center can accommodate around 300 evacuees and is accessible to persons with disabilities. It is also equipped with a breastfeeding station and a kitchen.

Cammayo said the structure was developed by BPI, BPI Foundation with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF)’s Project Safe Shelters. The facility was built with funds from BPI Foundation and donations from the bank’s clients and employees who wanted to help those affected by Taal Volcano eruptions since 2020.

Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco, Owen Cammayo, PDRF Executive Director Veronica Gabaldon, PDRF Chief Resilience Office Bill Luz, and PDRF President Butch Meily formally opened the center.

“BPI’s success as a long-standing institution, especially highlighted now on our 171st anniversary, ties back to the success of our nation,” said Limcaoco. “It is our belief that more than growing our business, it is equally important to help build and grow the communities around us, especially when unexpected tragedies strike (… ) Let the BPI Bayanihan Center be a reminder for all of us to help each other especially during hard times, so that as we work towards recovery and progress, no Filipino gets left behind.”

Just recently, BPI Foundation turned over pre-owned computers and laptops to four schools in Muntinlupa, namely, Poblacion Elementary School, Itaas Elementary School, Muntinlupa National High School and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMUN). Indeed, Bayanihan matters.