Ochoa warns vs impersonators

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on Thursday warned the public against persons pretending to be him and soliciting funds for government projects.

Ochoa said his office had received reports of individuals impersonating him and asking for funds or favors.

“During the past few months, my office has been receiving reports of individuals impersonating me to solicit financial aid for government projects or to offer assistance to fast-track government procedures in exchange for financial remuneration,” Ochoa said in a statement.

“The impersonators call or text their intended victims, who are directed to deposit the requested amounts in a personal bank account,” he said.

Ochoa said other government officials also had impersonators using the same modus operandi.

He said he ordered an investigation and one group had been arrested.

“In response to these scams, I directed law enforcement authorities to investigate, capture and charge those behind these crimes. Several cases are now being investigated, with one group having been arrested by a joint NBI-PNP-CIDG team earlier this week,” Ochoa said.

He said those arrested belonged to a syndicate that sent sham texts and they were now in PNP custody. He asked those who had received such calls to report them.

“The public is warned against dealing with individuals soliciting funds using my name or that of my office for any reason whatsoever. We are requesting those contacted by these unscrupulous individuals to report such incidents to the Office of the President,” Ochoa said.