POLICE have arrested in an entrapment operation a man who has allegedly falsified documents to repeatedly avail of medical aid and other financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Social Welfare Assistant Secretary and spokesman Romel Lopez identified the person as one Alexander Diaz E. Bartolo who was caught last September 16 in the DSWD’s main office in Quezon City.
Lopez said the entrapment operation was set up after it was proven that Bartolo has repeatedly made claims for health benefits and other financial aid from the DSWD’s Central office and the National Capital Region regional office in Manila using different identification cards and fake documents.
It was his 10th claim when the arrest was made. He was supposed to receive P3,500.
Including the recently approved aid, Bartolo has reportedly received a total of P35,000 from the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and medical assistance programs.
Lopez said Bartolo had admitted what he did, claiming that he desperately needed the money.
He also supposedly said there were others like him and had named at least five persons.
Authorities are verifying Bartolo’s claim. Lopez said despite the confession, apology and identification of other violators, Bartolo will still be charged with estafa, swindling and falsification of public documents, among others.
Lopez said the arrest of Bartolo should serve as a warning to others who are planning to do the same or other illegal activities to avail of DSWD assistance.
