Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge Catalino S. Cuy is warning the public to be vigilant and report scammers who solicit nominations to be appointed as Officer in Charge (OIC) Punong Barangay or Barangay Chairman in exchange for money.
Cuy said that there are reports coming from the Department’s regional offices confirming certain unscrupulous individuals going around various barangays asking for the names of possible appointees to be positioned as OIC of the barangay.
“The Department denies link or connection with any of these organizations or groups of people. We are still awaiting further instructions and developments about the 2017 Barangay Elections, so we encourage the public to report such illegal activities to the DILG,” he stressed.
He said that it is imperative to wait for the Congress’ final say while at the same time, staying clear from some exploitative and deceitful people who try to take advantage of the hiatus.
In a directive released recently, Cuy said that the Department does not sanction nor endorse any and all forms of solicitation regarding appointments to posts in the government.
He also encouraged people to ignore SMS or text messages asking for money, favors or any other matter in exchange for appointment to government positions.
“Please do not entertain or fall prey to these scammers,” he said.
Reports also confirmed that some entities organizing ‘oath-taking ceremonies’ for aspiring barangay officials in some provinces.
The reports said that in exchange of being inducted and appointed as barangay official, a fee of Php 1,000 from each ‘inductee’ was collected.
Cuy said that scammers can be reported to P/SSupt Marlon M. Ganzon, Senior Police Assistant to the SILG, at Camp Crame, Quezon City with office phone numbers (02) 722 8116 and thru PNP trunkline (02)723 0401 local 3421 or 3381 working 24/7, or to local DILG Officers.