TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Visayas has warned the public against a fake fundraising solicitation using the name of Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez to seek money supposedly intended to help children with disabilities.
In an advisory issued Thursday, Oct.8, the DepEd Regional Office VIII said neither Jimenez nor the agency authorized the fundraising activity and urged the public not to send money or provide any form of financial assistance in response to the solicitation.
The agency also cautioned the public against sharing personal, banking, GCash and other financial information with individuals behind the solicitation.
DepEd-8 further advised recipients not to click on suspicious links or respond to messages that cannot be verified through the agency’s official communication channels.
“The use of the name, position, or identity of a DepEd official to solicit money or donations without authorization is not legitimate,” the advisory said.
The regional office urged individuals who received the fraudulent messages or were approached by persons claiming to represent Jimenez to report the incident through the official communication channels of DepEd-8.
The agency also advised the public to report the matter to appropriate law enforcement authorities when warranted.
DepEd-8 said the warning was issued to prevent the public from falling victim to fraudulent activities that misuse the identity and position of government officials.
It reminded residents to exercise caution when receiving requests for donations, particularly those made through social media, messaging applications or other unofficial channels.
The public was advised to verify any fundraising appeal or announcement involving the regional director directly with DepEd Regional Office VIII before providing money or personal information.
DepEd-8 likewise urged the public to rely only on its official communication channels for legitimate announcements, advisories and activities involving Jimenez.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
