DILG warns vs. misleading post on alleged P8,000 ayuda

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday tagged as "false" and "misleading" a social media post on alleged assistance of P5,000 to P8,000 for those who comply with supposed requirements.

In a statement, the DILG called out a post falsely claiming that residents may receive the financial aid by filling out a barangay form and contacting unverified mobile numbers.

"This information is false and misleading. No such directive has been issued by the DILG. The mobile numbers listed in the post are not official and are not connected to any legitimate government program," the department said.

The DILG stressed that the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) is implemented solely by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through official and validated channels. According to the DILG, its department is only assisting in local monitoring.

"No such program is currently active," the DILG noted.

The DILG advised the public to be vigilant and not to provide personal information or sign documents based on social media posts that are unverified.

"Those who deliberately spread fake information or misuse the name of the DILG for fraudulent purposes will be subject to legal action under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and other applicable laws," the DILG said.

For legitimate concerns, the DILG encourages the public to contact its Public Assistance Center at (02) 8876-3454 local 6700. — VDV, GMA Integrated News