Public cautioned vs scammers targeting typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday cautioned the public against scammers soliciting donations for supposed typhoon victims, after exposing a person who falsely claimed to be former Occidental Mindoro congresswoman Josephine Sato.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lacson said the scammer reached out to him through Viber, requesting financial aid to allegedly help rebuild an orphanage damaged by a recent typhoon in Occidental Mindoro.

“SCAMMER ON THE LOOSE: This person, misrepresenting himself as ex-Cong. Nene Sato contacted the wrong guy when he asked me for financial support to rebuild a ‘typhoon damaged orphanage building’ in Occidental Mindoro,” Lacson posted. “I have his real identity, even his photo on his SSS ID. GOTCHA, IDIOT!”

He shared screenshots of the Viber exchange, which showed the scammer using a profile photo of the former legislator and providing a GCash number for supposed donations.

Lacson said he is working with authorities to hold the individual accountable, and urged the public to remain vigilant, especially in the aftermath of disasters when swindlers often exploit ongoing relief efforts.

Counter climate change

Meanwhile, San Carlos, Negros Occidental Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said Catholic Churches in Asia should take steps to counter the effects of climate change.

According to a report of Radyo Veritas, Alminaza made the appeal during the Second Laudato Si’ webinar last July 31 that carried the theme “Celebrating 10 Years of Laudato Si’: The Ecological Response of the Asian Church.”

The purpose of the webinar was to gather voices from different parts of Asia, including the Philippines, and discuss the effects of late Pope Francis’ second encyclical for the environment and the growing threats of climate change.

“Seven of the 10 most climate-vulnerable countries are in Asia, including the Philippines, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Thailand,” said Alminaza.

“Over 80 percent of disasters in Asia in the past two decades were climate-related. We are not just reading statistics. We are living them,” he added.

Alminaza said that some countries have already taken initiatives to lessen the effects of climate change, such as the mangrove reforestation program in Timor-Leste, interfaith solar energy projects in India, and climate resilience programs of the Catholic Church in Bangladesh.

In the Philippines, the prelate mentioned the 10 Million Solar Rooftop Challenge, Bamboo Forest Project, and the Laudato Si’ School Framework for Catholic education.

“These efforts show that ecological conversion is not just a concept, it’s a movement taking root in our communities,” he said. — Evelyn Macairan