Solon urges NBI, PNP to go after scammers using typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker on Thursday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to launch a crackdown against scammers who solicit money supposedly to assist victims of the typhoons that recently hit the country.

Samar 1st District Rep. Edgar Sarmiento made the call as he warned the public against a group claiming to represent his office which has been asking money from friends, supporters, and even businessmen from the transport industry purportedly as a part of a fund-raising activity for typhoon victims.

“The office of one of our colleagues called to verify if I’m seeking assistance in the form of cash donation for the victims of the calamity. Please be informed that there is no such activity or any donation drive,” Sarmiento clarified in a statement.

Sarmiento lamented how the con syndicates can use the “dire and pitiful situation” of affected residents in Marikina, Rizal, Cagayan Valley, and the Bicol region in their activities.

The lawmaker said that con artists are using the names of politicians, showbiz personalities, and prominent personalities in the business sector to increase their chances of getting huge amounts of money from their victims who are mostly his wealthy friends and supporters.

“ While we are appealing for help for tens of thousands of families who lost their homes, properties and the lives of their loved ones, we should make sure that our donations do not end up in the hands of these unscrupulous syndicates who are preying on the misfortunes of other people,” Sarmiento said.

A series of typhoons hit the country over the past few weeks, affecting thousands of Filipinos who were left to stay in evacuation centers as their homes were submerged in floodwater.

/MUF