BACOLOD City – Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a stern warning against individuals fraudulently using his name to deceive businesses and residents.
This comes after a scam attempt on Monday, September 15, involving Gina’s Seafood Restaurant. An unidentified male caller, posing as the mayor, placed a food order allegedly for a visiting beauty queen.
The caller, using mobile number 0967-736-0275, later instructed the restaurant owner to deposit money via GCash to a certain Ma. Fe Quimpo (0909-230-0395) as supposed “payment” for another food order from a fast-food chain.
Sensing something suspicious, the restaurant owner contacted Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) coordinator Jovelyn Canoy, who confirmed the scam attempt and immediately informed the mayor. Efforts to call back both mobile numbers were unsuccessful.
“If you intend to harm me or tarnish my name, by all means, do try so at your own peril. Do not involve innocent businesses and Bacolodnons in your schemes,” Gasataya said.
This marks the second reported incident of scammers posing as city officials or employees to defraud establishments. Gasataya has referred the case to authorities for investigation and vowed close coordination with law enforcement to apprehend those behind the scheme.
“Public service is sacred, and those who exploit it will face justice,” he added./PN
