DFA WARNS OFWs ABOUT BOGUS 'GMA FOUNDATION'
MANILA, March 13, 2006 (MALAYA) THE Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday warned Filipinos working overseas about a bogus institution called GMA Charity Foundation, which uses President Arroyo’s initials to swindle money from OFWs.The warning came after Philippine consul general to Hong Kong Alejandrino Vicente reported receiving a complaint from a female OFW who claimed to have been victimized through text messaging by swindlers posing as officers of the said foundation.
Vicente said the OFW received a text message on February 14 informing her that she had won P3 million in an electronic raffle draw during the first anniversary of the GMA Charity Foundation. The OFW was asked to call a certain Atty. Alfred D. Macapagal at mobile number 0919-8539395 for details on how to claim her prize.
She was then instructed to deposit a total of P55,000 in a Western Union account in the Philippines in the name of Joel Nadera Chavez, supposedly for the payment of taxes and other fees and as a precondition to her claiming the "prize".
She was also asked to call an alleged manager of a Western Union branch in Pasay City, Atty. Antonio Uy, at mobile number 0919-3234278 to get instructions on how to collect her check for P3 million.
The OFW complained to the consulate general that after she had deposited the required amount on February 14 and 15, 2006, she could no longer contact the swindlers.
The DFA has repeatedly advised OFWs who receive text messages or e-mails informing them that they have won money in a lottery, but in which they have not participated or sent written application forms to, to immediately ignore these messages as they are certainly meant to swindle money from them.
The DFA said the swindlers specifically target OFWs who are most vulnerable to these scams. – Marilou T. Jumila
Gloria says destab efforts continuing MALAYA, MARCH 13, 2006
PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday ordered the military and police leadership to identify, make public and anticipate all remaining threats to her administration.
Arroyo said she was aware destabilization efforts are continuing.
"We are fully aware that some groups have not ceased in their attempts to undermine our democratic way of life. We have the watchful eye, the will and the resources to counter their moves," she said.
Arroyo said the government has already started to restore normalcy, backed by a solid military and police chain of command, particularly after lifting the weeklong state of national emergency she declared on Feb. 24.
"(But) we shall continue to sternly enforce the rule of law in the streets while protecting human rights, and informing the people of threats to their peace, welfare and well being. We are one step ahead of the enemies of the State. Community vigilance will enable us to focus on the economy to generate investments and jobs that will break the cycle of poverty," she added.
The AFP has sacked two generals and a colonel for their alleged involvement in the plot to overthrow government. At least 25 military men, including eight officers, have been restricted to quarters. The PNP has sacked a police general.
State prosecutors have filed rebellion and other charges against at least 40 individuals, including six party-list congressmen identified with Leftist groups.
The government came out with a documentary, "Paglaban sa Kataksilan: 1017," which Malacañang said aims to explain to the public why Arroyo decided to issue PP 1017.
The documentary has been aired in government TV stations. Copies have been given out on request. The government also posted the documentary on its website www.gov.ph.
Bunye said the Palace recently uploaded the documentary on the website of the Office of the Press Secretary for wider and easier access. He said there has been an increase in the number of visitors to the government website since it was uploaded.
"Our website administrator reported an upsurge of hits on www.gov.ph, where we posted last week `Paglaban sa Kataksilan: 1017. The documentary provides an inside story on the events leading to the issuance of Proclamation 1017," he said.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said government is prepared for any destabilization effort that might be launched with protest actions on May 1.
He said anti-government forces have always been planning something coinciding with the Labor Day celebration.
He cited the May 1, 2001 "Malacañang siege" staged by supporters of ousted President Joseph Estrada.
"Basta ang importante, we must be prepared for them. Always prepared naman ang gobyerno," he said. – Jocelyn Montemayor
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2006 by
PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved