DILG warns scammers anew: Stop soliciting money for Marawi

The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Thursday reiterated its warning against scammers soliciting money, supposedly for Marawi City evacuees.

DILG Officer-in-Charge Catalino Cuy restated his stern warning against suspects who have continued to do their illegal activities, saying that scammers will be dealt with accordingly.

Last month, Cuy sounded the alarm after reports that some people are victimizing individuals, soliciting money from those who were willing to help the evacuees.

"It's only a matter of time for you to be exposed. Our police information technology (IT) experts are now working, even as I speak," a GMA News report quoted Cuy as saying.

Despite his earlier warnings, Cuy said that his office has continued to receive reports from some of its regional offices and from local government officials that they are getting suspicious calls and text messages from individuals posing either as the DILG OIC or his staff asking for cash donations to be sent to Marawi evacuees. 

He also ordered local chief executives to take part in the investigation by helping confirm the identity of suspects.

"Help yourself from being a victim of extortionists and be part of the solution. Itong mga swindler na ito ay walang matatakbuhan kung tayong lahat ay gumawa ng kaukulang aksyon. Huwag tayong padadala sa kanilang mga panlilinlang." 

He urged those victimized by the scam to contact nearest local DILG offices or Philippine National Police Camp Crame at (02) 7228116 and through PNP trunk line (02) 7230401 local 3421 or 3381. —LBG, GMA News