ANTIQUE — Operatives from the Hamtic Municipal Police Station (MPS) arrested a 38-year-old man for allegedly using the name of Gov. Paolo S. Javier to perpetrate a government assistance scam.
Police identified the suspect by the alias “Carlito,” a resident of Barangay Buhang, Hamtic town.
According to a social media post by Gov. Javier, law enforcers apprehended the suspect around 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, in Barangay Bia-an, following reports that he victimized local residents on Saturday, August 15. The governor expressed his gratitude to the Hamtic MPS for their swift action and investigation into the incident.
Investigations revealed that an unauthorized individual presented himself as a representative of the governor, offering fake government “livelihood assistance” while collecting a P350 fee from victims purportedly for identification cards and registration.
Following the arrest, the suspect was brought to the barangay hall after a complainant expressed a desire to reach a settlement.
Gov. Javier reiterated that he has never authorized anyone to collect money, registration fees, or personal information in exchange for government assistance programs.
“Indi magpadaya, mga kasimanwa. Kon may magparapit kaninyo kag maghambal nga may programa ukon bulig halin sa akon ukon sa Provincial Government of Antique kag kinahanglan anay magbayad, indi magtugro kang kwarta kag indi magtugro kang personal nga impormasyon. I-verify anay kag i-report gilayon sa proper authorities,” Gov. Javier warned.
He added: “Serbisyo publiko dya, indi negosyo. Kag indi ko pagtugutan nga gamiton ang akon ngaran para sa pagpangdaya, pagpangkwarta ukon pagpahimulos sa aton mga Antiqueño.”/PN
