Village execs urged to be vigilant vs. extortion, intimidation

ILOILO CITY: The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) urged village officials and the public to be vigilant amid reports of dubious individuals soliciting money through intimidation. 'ICPO officials urge barangay officials to remain vigilant and actively inform their communities about these fraudulent practices,' the local police said in a press release Thursday. Any suspicious activity or individuals making unwarranted solicitations must be reported immediately to local law enforcement agencies, the police added. The statement was issued following several complaints about individuals contacting barangay officials and community members under false claims, demanding financial contributions, and using intimidation tactics. 'Residents are advised not to entertain or provide any form of support to these suspicious individuals. Instead, they should report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or the ICPO hotline at 335-0299 or 0908-377-0194,' the statement added. Liga ng mga Barangay - Iloilo City chapter president Irene Ong confirmed receiving a call from someone claiming to be the spokesperson of the New People's Army last week. The person who spoke in Tagalog threatened to kill Ong after he asked for a little support, but the Liga president responded that they had no budget for that. The caller, using the same number who called Ong, also asked for PHP1,000 from other barangay captains in the City Proper district and PHP50,000 from one barangay captain in the Jaro district. 'Either it's a scam, but we just have to be careful. But the best move is not to answer when only the number appears on our phone,' Ong said. Source : Philippines News agency