MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police yesterday warned the creators of 28 Facebook accounts using the name of PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa that they could face criminal charges if they do not deactivate their pages.

Senior Supt. Gilbert Cruz, chief of the PNP Police Community Relations Group (PCRG), issued the warning in response to reports that some unscrupulous individuals are using the name of Dela Rosa in Facebook to solicit favors from their targeted individuals.

“The other fake accounts turned out be just a fan page but most are using these fake FB account to extort money from those seeking direct help or assistance from the PNP chief,” Cruz said.

“It’s not good for the PNP. They are using the name of the PNP chief with his photo to gyp people and we do not condone that,” he said.

Cruz said policemen have been tasked to monitor the activities of the 28 Facebook accounts under Dela Rosa’s name.

He said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group is already conducting background checks to trace the people behind the Facebook pages.