Public warned: Roxas, Gazmin, SAF 44 used in text scam

BEWARE of text scammers using Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin’s names to solicit donations for the families of slain 44 Special Action Force members.

Director Ariel Barayuga, Chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection, warned in a memorandum to all BFP personnel to be wary of individuals and groups asking donations for the bereaved SAF 44 widows and families.

“We received a report that certain individuals or groups are allegedly soliciting donations through text messaging (SMS) for the families of SAF 44 and even [use] the names of Sec. Mar Roxas and Sec. Voltaire Gazmin,” Barayuga said.

He said the DILG and the DND did not authorize anybody, including their employees, to solicit on behalf of the agencies.

Forty-four SAF commandos were killed in a police operation against international terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir or “Marwan” that led to a bloody clash with Moro armed groups in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

The January 25 incident sparked public outrage against President Benigno Aquino III and calls to abandon the ongoing peace process of the government with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The DILG, through Undersecretary for Operations Atty. Edwin Enrile, has also issued a memorandum to all DILG bureau directors, heads of operating units and services, Local Government Academy directors, National Police Commission vice chairman, Philippine National Police officer in charge, Philippine Public Safety College president, directors of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and BFP and other concerned agencies categorically denying any involvement in such activities.

“Kindly disseminate this information to your respective offices and advise your personnel and employees to refrain from entertaining or getting involved in this kind of activity,” he said.

Employees and personnel of the said government agencies who will be found engaging in such illegal activities “shall be dealt with accordingly,” said Enrile.

He reiterated that only the PNP is authorized to accept donations for the SAF families through its Land Bank of the Philippines bank account.

The DILG also urged the public to immediately report similar incidents to the authorities through Police Superintendent Jonathan Cabal at telephone number 9286713, and mobile numbers 09154208498, 09055269699 and 09167857500 or email it at [email protected] or [email protected]. AC