LGUs warned vs impostors soliciting money

September 20, 2020

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Sunday warned the local government units (LGU) of a modus operandi by unscrupulous individuals who pretend to be the department's executives and solicit or extort money.

Interior Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the DILG has received numerous reports from local chief executives about receiving calls or text messages from from impostors and con artists pretending to be senior officials of the DILG offering to send government assistance or aid to them in exchange of money.

"Let the public be warned that senior officials of the DILG do not call LGUs asking for favors. It is prudent to always check and consult our provincial DILG office to confirm before believing or sending money to these con artists,” said Malaya.

He said the impostors have called the mayors in Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Iloilo, Leyte, and even Cotabato offering government assistance, promising to help clear up any ongoing investigation against them.

“In one instance, the Mayor was told that the DILG will donate 2,800 cavans of rice to his constituents but in return, the mayor has to send P20,000 via money remittance allegedly for transportation costs... In another instance, the mayor was told that he will be helped in his pending cases provided that funds will be transferred to an account of their choosing,” the DILG official said.

Malaya said they already alerted the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and issued a public advisory about the scam.

“This is a clear case of estafa punishable under the Revised Penal Code, thus we have requested the Philippine National Police to track down those persons responsible,“ he said.

Malaya reiterated the DILG communicates with LGUs and other agencies through official channels only.

“Hence, the public is advised to be cautious in dealing with any person claiming to be connected to the Department without verification. LGUs who are contacted by these unscrupulous individuals may verify the call or text with the DILG City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officer or our Provincial/Regional Office,” he added.

“We encourage everyone to report to the PNP station nearest you if you become aware of any similar acts. Rest assured that your identity will be kept confidential,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS