DILG warns of syndicates extorting cash from LGU execs

DILG Usec. Jonathan Malaya. Screengrab from RTVM video

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday cautioned local government unit officials of DILG impostors extorting money supposedly for their COVID-19 relief.

“Pinapayuhan po natin ang ating mga LGUs at ang publiko na mag-ingat sa mga walang hiyang mandurugas na sindikato na nagpapakilalang taga DILG at nangingikil ng pera kapalit ng umano’y ayuda,” Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, spokesman of DILG, said in a statement.

(I am asking LGUs and the public to be vigilant against syndicates introducing themselves as DILG officials and extorting money allegedly for financial assistance.)

“Kahit po ang inyong lingkod ay ilang beses ng ginamit ang pangalan para makapanloko. Kailanman ay hindi tayo nanghihingi ng pera sa kahit sinong Mayor, Vice Mayor, o kapitan kapalit ng serbisyo publiko na binibigay ng DILG,” he added.

(My name was also used for extortion activities. We will not ask money for the mayor, vice mayor or barangay captain in exchange for the service of the DILG.)

In a report, DILG said Mayor Danilo Diamante of Tuburan, Cebu received repeated calls from someone who is posing as the DILG undersecretary. The caller asked the mayor to give cash for the shipping of 1,500 cavans of rice for his constituents.

Malaya also ordered local officials to report the incidents to the nearest police stations to go after the impostors.

“Kung sinuman sa inyo ang makatanggap ng tawag o texts sa mga taong nagpakilalang ako o sinuman sa mga DILG top officials, magsumbong o makipag-ugnayan po kayo kaagad sa pinakamalapit na police station para mahuli at maparusahan ang mga impostor na ito,” he said.

(If you are receiving texts and calls from DILG posers, report or coordinate with the nearest police station to arrest and punish these impostors.)

JPV