TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan and a district engineer in Leyte have become the latest victims of online scams.
According to the Provincial Information Office (PIO), fraudsters have been exploiting Governor Ongchuan’s name, photograph, and contact details to deceive individuals into transferring money or divulging personal information.
Governor Ongchuan has issued a public warning, urging vigilance when dealing with unsolicited communication. He emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of requests and being cautious with personal information.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 5th District Engineering Office (DEO) revealed that several contractors and suppliers have received phone calls from individuals impersonating District Engineer Eusebio Culas. These scammers solicited money and contributions, allegedly for various charities or institutions.
District Engineer Culas firmly denied authorizing any solicitation activities in any form or for any purpose.
In a statement released on Monday, January 20, the DPWH Leyte 5th DEO urged the public to ignore such solicitations and report similar incidents to the DPWH Regional Office VIII or the Leyte 5th DEO. Reports can be made through their official Facebook page, “Region 8 – DPWH,” or via email at dpwh5thled@gmail.com.
Both Governor Ongchuan and Engineer Culas stressed the importance of public awareness in combating scammers who prey on the trust and goodwill of their victims. They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the community from fraudulent activities.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, stay informed, and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
