Groups defraud shops using Magalong’s name; mayor-elect warns public
>> Monday, June 10, 2019
BAGUIO
CITY -- Baguio City Mayor-elect Benjamin Magalong has warned
establishments and the public against persons using his name to extort money or
get supplies or food, using his name to charge purchases.
“May I take the time to warn our business
shops, especially restaurants and eateries, not to entertain or accept the
placement of orders for food, etc. supposedly under my name and authority,”
Magalong said in an advisory
The advisory said three unsuspecting
establishments have already been victimized by some people who when asked for
payment, simply charged their food, load, and others to Magalong’s account.
Ferdie Balanag, Magalong’s staff, said on
Thursday the third incident happened on June 4, the last of the series of
incidents in a span of 10 days, prompting Magalong to issue a public advisory,
also sent to the media, to forewarn the public regarding the use of his name.
He said for any incident using the name
of Magalong, the public can call (074)665-2369 or 0916-418-5523 for
verification or to report the same.
He said the first incident was a health
restaurant which Magalong’s wife frequents, her being a health buff.
The second was a restaurant owned by a
local located on Session Road, which he also visits with his wife and family.
The third was a steak house near Pacdal,
where organizations of Magalong meet.
He said Magalong allegedly called the
establishment and asked to be sent P8,500 mobile phone load, which the
establishment also sells.
The caller asked to send the load to
several numbers, which when contacted were no longer active.
Balanag said the incidents have been
recorded with the city police which is now investigating the cases.
Closed -circuit television (CCTV) camera
recordings are also being checked.
A parallel investigation is being done by
the group of Magalong, for the possibility that the suspect is someone inside
his group who knows establishments where he goes to.
In the advisory, Magalong said, “I am
saddened that such incidents are being done with the obvious intent to
discredit me and bring me dishonor.”
He asked that residents of Baguio be more
discerning and verify the authenticity of the information.
“As I continue preparing to assume office
per our people's mandate, I appeal for everyone to be more circumspect and do
what is just and right in the way we conduct ourselves outside our home and
workplace,” Magalong said.
“Please help me ferret out these
perpetrators by calling the attention of the business owner, manager, and
reiterating this disclaimer on my behalf. May I repeat: I have not and will
never allow the use of my humble name for dastardly acts such as these,” he
added. (PNA)
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