By Junex Doronio
MANILA — By promising P1.3 billion worth of projects, eight individuals allegedly pretending to be DBM officials were able to lure one complainant who later discovered them to be fake and caused their entrapment by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
With this incident, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has warned the public against scammers who pose as DBM officials.
“These impostors shamelessly exploit public trust, falsely representing themselves as DBM officials,” Pangandaman said.
The DBM chief said the individuals were caught by the NBI in Mandaluyong City last March 26.
They were swindling victims through fake promises of securing funds or projects from the agency, in exchange for huge sums of money.
One of the suspects had allegedly posed as a DBM Undersecretary and claimed authority over special projects within the agency.
One complainant recounted being promised P1.3 billion worth of projects.
However, the complainant conducted an initial verification with the DBM and discovered that no record of the supposed officer or project in the DBM’s official records.
The suspects were nabbed at a restaurant after accepting marked money totaling P500,000 from the NBI.
“Their actions not only tarnish our institution’s integrity but also harm unsuspecting individuals,” Pangandaman said.
She urged the public to exercise utmost caution and diligence when approached by individuals claiming to be DBM officials.
“We will not tolerate such egregious deception. I urge the public to remain vigilant and report any encounters with these impostors immediately,” Pangandaman said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
