DILG chief Sueno warns public vs. extortionists posing as members of Task Force Agila

Interior Secretary Mike Sueno warned the public on Tuesday against extortionists posing as members of Task Force Agila to get money from local government officials.

In a statement, Sueno said he is cautioning the public following reports that some people are pretending to be members of the task force to officials tagged with alleged links to illegal drugs.

“The DILG will not exchange for any amount the trust of the Filipino people and the trust of our President to lead a clean government in this administration,” Sueno said.

“This is against the very reason for the creation of the Task Force. The DILG vehemently condemns extortion and more so the use of the name of the Department and its programs in doing illicit actions that are contrary to law and the interest of the public,” he added.

In August, the DILG created Task Force Agila to handle the investigation of all past and incumbent local officials tagged by President Rodrido Duterte in the illegal drug trade.

The task force is composed of officials from the DILG, the National Police Commission, and the Philippine National Police.

Sueno encouraged the public to report to the authorities any unlawful activities done through the malicious and bogus use of Task Force Agila.

On the other hand, DILG Undersecretary John Castriciones said the public may directly report any extortion activities and relevant information on the "narco execs" through the task force's hotline numbers.

Solicitations from posers

Meanwhile, Sueno also warned the public against individuals posing as representatives of the DILG Central Office soliciting money from local chief executives to supposedly fund project proposals.

“Please be warned that the DILG does not authorize any official or personnel, whether from the Central Office, Regional or Field Offices to solicit money or any material gains in exchange for the funding of project proposals submitted to the DILG,” the DILG chief said.

“In line with our mandate of capacitating local government units to be progressive and development-oriented, we implement programs that adhere to a systematic and objective assessment of project proposals. The entire process does not involve or allow the intervention of personalities, rather, it is the DILG - Office of Project Development Services which is in-charge of processing the submitted requests following a strict set of guidelines,” Sueno added.

Sueno earlier cautioned the public in July about posers acting on behalf of the DILG Secretary and his staff to extort money from public officials, businessmen, and illegal gambling operators. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/RSJ, GMA News