THE Philippine National Police (PNP) reported the arrest of an adult Filipino male by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) after he attempted to claim a ₱172 million jackpot prize using a falsified lotto ticket at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in Mandaluyong City on April 27, 2026.
Initial verification showed that the winning number combination had already been legitimately claimed. Further checking of the presented ticket revealed visible alterations, including handwritten entries, which were later confirmed by the PCSO Data Center and Security Office as tampered. The suspect was immediately apprehended inside the premises, and the questioned ticket was secured as evidence.
The individual was brought for standard medical examination and is now under police custody for proper legal proceedings in coordination with the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office for a case of falsification of public document.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., underscored the importance of integrity in all transactions involving public systems. “We will not allow any attempt to undermine public trust through deceitful acts. Mabilis ang aksyon ng ating kapulisan dahil malinaw ang ating tungkulin—to protect the integrity of our institutions and ensure accountability,” he said.
He added, “Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon laban sa anumang uri ng panlilinlang. The law applies to everyone, at pananagutin ang sinumang lalabag dito.”
The operation reflects the PNP’s strengthened approach under its Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, ensuring timely enforcement. It also supports the direction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to uphold transparency, accountability, and public trust.
The Philippine National Police assures the public that it will remain vigilant in addressing similar incidents, in line with its commitment to Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
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