Authorities in Naga City, Camarines Sur, are intensifying efforts to apprehend a man who forged the mayor’s signature and the city’s official seal to solicit money from local establishments.
The fraudulent individual managed to collect up to P15,000 from approximately 20 establishments before being exposed.
Initial findings revealed that the suspect presented a letter to business owners, purportedly requesting contributions for a fundraising event for a gay pageant in Metro Manila scheduled for March 2.
Surveillance footage from a CCTV camera captured an instance where the man entered a building and successfully convinced the owner to contribute P300.
The deceptive letter bore the forged signature of Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion and the official seal of the local government unit, lending credibility to the scam.
However, city officials deny any association with the fraudulent solicitation.
Elmer Baldemoro, City Administrator of Naga City, emphasized that the mayor’s electronic signature featured in the letter, complete with a photo, could easily mislead recipients into believing it originated from the mayor’s office
. He clarified that the mayor’s office is not involved in any such solicitation activities.
“Ito pong e-signature ni Mayor na nakalagay doon, may larawan pa so kung hindi ka talaga—magdududa, aakalain mong galing sa opisina ng alkalde. Wala pong ginagawang ganito ang opisina ng alkalde para po sa solicitation,” stated Elmer Baldemoro.
Upon further investigation, the barangay where the suspect reportedly resides denied any knowledge of an individual matching the description.
“Iko-confirm ko lang po na walang residenteng nagngangalang…. dito sa Calauag,” said Amy Salva, a barangay councilwoman.
This incident raises concerns about the potential misuse of official signatures and seals for fraudulent activities.
City officials urge residents and business owners to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any solicitation or communication purportedly coming from the local government.
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