Forger duping local gov’t execs falls in Caloocan

A man who allegedly falsified documents to solicit money from Caloocan City officials was arrested Wednesday afternoon.

Edgardo “Bodjie” Flores, 47, admitted duping city and village officials and forging the signature of a barangay chair when apprehended on Baesa Road, Barangay 160, shortly after he left the vice mayor’s office. Barangay chair Ricardo Ignacio said he ordered village watchmen to look for Flores after a staff member of Vice Mayor Macario Asistio called him earlier to verify a solicitation letter that bore Ignacio’s signature. The letter asked for cash donations for a youth swimming activity.

“The staff called because they suspected that Bodjie was lying since he had already approached the office several times before to ask for money,” Ignacio said. The forgery was later discovered as well as Flores’ use of a bogus organization called “Samahang Magkakapit-bahay ng Libis, Baesa” in his letters, the official added.

District 1 Councilor Dean Asistio said he also received a similar letter from Flores in February. Flores, who faces charges for falsification of documents, claimed that he only did it to raise money for his ailing mother Rebecca. The 68-year-old Rebecca showed up at the police station Thursday and confirmed that she needs to undergo orthopedic surgery for her leg, but claimed she had no idea of her son’s racket. Rima Granali