Public warned vs scammers asking donations for quake-stricken Batanes

Manila, Philippines — Batanes bishop Danilo Ulep on Wednesday warned the public against individuals using his name to seek donations on social media for the victims of the double tremors that rocked the province last weekend.

“Gusto ko lang po malaman na nag-iisang bank account lang po ang ino-authorized ko doon sa gustong tumulong sa aming mga kababayan na nasalanta ng lindol. ‘Yun po ay sa account namin sa Landbank and there’s no other,” Ulep told Radio Veritas. 

Ulep said those who wish to donate may do so through the Prelature’s Landbank account under the name Prelature of Batanes and account number 1081-0502-08. 

The bishop also asked those who wish to donate to send a copy of their deposit slip to [email protected] so they would be able to receive a notification that their donation has been received by the Church. 

Many of the displaced villagers in Itbayat, Batanes stay in tents in the town’s open plaza days after major twin earthquakes jolted the town. (Photo by Arnel Comaya/Contributor)

Further, Ulep underscored the importance of having the Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Itbayat, the hardest-hit town by the quake, rehabilitated as it serves as the “symbol of unity of our people”.

“Focus ko ngayon ay long term rehabilitation, on our end we assist whatever the government is doing in terms of rebuilding the homes and for our part we immediately rebuild the church lalong lalo na that’s the symbol of unity of our people,” Ulep said. 

The bishop also called for the continued support and solidarity for the people of Batanes. 

“I’m continuing to appeal to our people, our brothers and sisters to continue to show our support and solidarity in whatever way they could,” Ulep said. 

Earlier the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA)/Caritas Philippines donated P200,000 from its Alay Kapwa Solidarity Fund to help the Prelature of Batanes in its relief operations. 

“I am very thankful that a good number of people, generous kind-hearted people who are willing to help; in fairness to the government there’s an augmentation team helping out,” Ulep said. 

A magnitude 5.4 quake followed by a stronger magnitude 5.9 quake hit Batanes last July 27. 

The quake resulted in the death of nine people, with 63 others sustaining injuries.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the twin quakes have affected 911 families comprised of 2,963 individuals, some of whom are staying at the town’s plaza in makeshift tents. /kga

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