QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) advised its employees not to entertain calls or text messages from individuals posing to be officials of the Department.

This came following an incident that was reported to the Central Office by Michael John Andohuyan, Team Leader of the DSWD-Field Office Caraga Social Welfare and Development Team in Agusan del Sur. Andohuyan narrated that he received text messages and calls on July 9 from an unknown individual, introducing himself as DSWD Regional Director Cezario Joel Espejo. Dir. Espejo allegedly asked for 10  pre-paid cards amounting to P500  each from Andohuyan.

In a clarificatory memorandum of Director Espejo, he said that this was a scam and that he did not ask for pre-paid cards from anyone. He also emphasized that his personal and official mobile phones are under post-paid plans.

The DSWD called on its employees to be extra vigilant and immediately report to their supervisors if they encounter suspicious text messages and calls, misrepresenting DSWD officials. (DSWD)