OCD warns of solicitation scams amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Monday warned the public against swindlers who pretend to be officials of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to solicit funds for supposed COVID-19 response projects.

"We would like to caution our countrymen from dealing with these dishonest characters who are impersonating NDRRMC officials and staff to solicit funds,” OCD administrator Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad said in a press statement.

"We publish the list of items that are required in the response efforts and we formally communicate with donors and suppliers using official channels,” he added.

Jalad said the agency has been receiving reports about this bogus solicitation.

Jalad reminded the public that there would be no OCD or NDRRMC officials who would contact the public using an unregistered or third-party contact number and ask for funds to be deposited to personal accounts or money transfer outlets.

Those who wish to donate cash are advised to deposit their donations only in the official NDRRMC bank account in the Development Bank of the Philippines and not to personal accounts or via money transfer outlets, Jalad said.

He further advised the public to contact the NDRRMC hotline or call the local police if they encounter such bogus solicitations and not to give out any item or amount.

For official transactions, the public may contact the NDRRMC Operations Center hotlines: (02) 8911-1406 / 8912 5668 / 8912 2665 or email at ndrrmcdonations@gmail.com.

Monetary donations may be deposited at the DBP Camp Aguinaldo Branch with Philippine Peso account: 000-00149-435-3 and US Dollar account: 01-5-00047-435-4. — DVM, GMA News