INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr yesterday alerted the public on “poseurs” claiming to be him and soliciting money from local government officials.
“We have received such reports from a provincial governor, a vice-governor, and a department secretary that they received various calls from poseurs claiming to be the DILG chief and asking for financial support,” said Abalos.
“This (solicitation) is not legit (legitimate),” he stressed.
Abalos said that whether in his personal or official capacity, he has neither sought nor instruct anyone to solicit money or goods on his behalf.
“Let me put it on record that I will not, in my personal or official capacity, give financial or material support nor will I ask anyone to solicit money on my behalf for any illegal purpose especially that which is in contravention to the ideals and mission of the DILG which is mandated to ensure peace and order and public safety,” said Abalos.
He said he has instructed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group “to dig deeper into this incident and pin down the culprits behind this modus victimizing local officials.”
“I also urge the local government leagues to advise their members on this modus and to report any similar incident to the PNP to help in the investigation,” added Abalos.
