Public, LGUs warned vs. fake DILG officials offering aid in exchange for money

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday warned local officials and the public against "syndicates of extortionists" who pretend to be senior officials of the DILG and arrange COVID-19 response assistance.

According to DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, the agency has received reports from its regional and field offices and various localities that they have received calls or text messages from people pretending to be senior DILG officials offering to provide COVID-19 assistance in exchange for money.

“Pinapayuhan po natin ang ating mga LGUs at ang publiko na mag-ingat sa mga walang hiyang mandurugas na sindikato na nagpapakilalang taga DILG at nangingikil ng pera kapalit ng umano'y ayuda,” Malaya said.

“Kahit po ang inyong lingkod ay ilang beses ng ginamit ang pangalan para makapanloko. Kailanman ay hindi tayo nanghihingi ng pera sa kahit sinong mayor, vice mayor, o kapitan kapalit ng serbisyo publiko na binibigay ng DILG,” he added.

Malaya cited the experience of Tuburan, Cebu Mayor Danilo Diamante wherein the latter had received calls from someone who introduced himself as a DILG undersecretary.

Malaya said the caller asked money from the mayor supposedly to cover for the shipping of 1,500 cavans of rice to be given as assistance to his town. The caller also allegedly ordered Diamante to pin a certain SB member for alleged involvement in illegal drugs, which the latter vehemently denied.

The DILG spokesman said the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has already been informed and alerted about the matter.

He also advised the LGUs and the public to be cautious and verify first from the DILG when a person claiming to be connected with the agency contacts them.

"Kung sinuman sa inyo ang makatanggap ng tawag o texts sa mga taong nagpakilalang ako o sinuman sa mga DILG top officials, magsumbong o makipag-ugnayan po kayo kaagad sa pinakamalapit na police station para mahuli at maparusahan ang mga impostor na ito,” Malaya said.

He also clarified that the DILG routes official communications to the DILG regional and field offices and all LGUs via official channels and not through mere texts or calls. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News