THE local Department of Interior and Local Government office in Dagupan warned of a possible scam operation by a group with unknown affiliation reportedly moving around remote villages in the province, soliciting names aspiring to be appointed as ‘OIC’ (officers-in-charge) barangay officials with assurances of being given official appointments by Malacañang.

Department of Interior and Local Government City Director Rhoderick Dawis told newsmen in Dagupan he was informed of the activities of this group from several barangay officials from San Carlos City who came to his office to inquire if such group in government really exits.

He said he was informed that the group is composed of retired military and police personnel.

Dawis said no such group from the government has been directed to solicit names for appointment since all the incumbent officials all over the country are already officials on hold-over capacity after the barangay election last year was postponed.

He added that the incumbent barangay officials will continue to hold office until the barangay election on October 24, 2017, simultaneously with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election.

The same is true for presidents of the federations of barangay councils, who became automatic ex-officio city or municipal councilors or in case of a province, ex-officio provincial board member, said Dawis.

Dawis was informed that the group merely asked for bus fares to Manila from people who wanted to be included in the list ostensibly to submit the list but he suspects the group will soon ask for more cash for “follow-up” purposes.

He said there has been no report of the presence of such group in Dagupan City yet which made him believe that the group could be operating in remote villages only. (Leonardo Micua)

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