Beware of ‘do-gooders’ asking money for SAF 44

MANILA, Philippines—Be wary of “do-gooders” collecting donations that will never get to the families of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who were killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in January.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned the public against persons seeking donations through text messages.

The messages mention Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in an apparent attempt to make the scam look credible.

“The DILG has issued a memorandum categorically denying any involvement in such solicitation activities,” said Napolcom Vice Chair Eduardo Escueta.

Escueta added the DILG and Napolcom did not authorize anyone to seek donations on their behalf.

The Napolcom official said the agency enjoins its personnel nationwide to refrain from getting involved in soliciting donations.

“Any employee who engages in the aforementioned undertaking without justifiable cause shall be dealt with accordingly,” Escueta said.

The public may report any attempts at solicitation to the DILG through Supt. Jonathan Cabal at (02) 928-6713, 0915-4208498, 0905-5269699 and 0916-7857500, or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

Reports may also be sent to the Napolcom public information division at [email protected].