The Diocese of Boac has warned the public against an online scam that uses the name of one of its priests to solicit money.
The Facebook account using the name of Father Ramon Magdurulang appeals for financial assistance for the supposed ordination of a certain Rev. James Calma on December 10.
“The said facebook account is asking to send the donation through GCash and Palawan Express,” warned Father Wilfredo Magcamit Jr, chancellor of the diocese.
“We wish to inform the public that this account is in neither way connected nor owned by Rev. Msgr. Ramon Magdurulang, a priest of the Diocese of Boac,” said the priest.
In the statement, the diocese the mobile number is registered to a certain John Blake N who is “almost identical to a certain John Balle Navarro.”
In 2017, Navarro allegedly used the name of Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. of Boac to ask for financial assistance from a company in General Santos City.
Father Magcamit asked the public not to entertain any friend request or message from the said account.
“This is also to remind everyone to be extra careful in using and interacting on social media and to verify with persons in authority any doubtful information, fund raising activities or inquiries,” said the priest.
Early this year, the Manila Cathedral also warned the public against scammers using the names of their priests to solicit money.
The warning was issued after the church was informed a letter asking for financial assistance for COVID-19 swab testing for them and their staff supposedly signed by Fathers Reginald Malicdem.
In 2018, Father Malicdem warned fellow priests on the “modus” of an individual who introduces himself as a bishop asking his victims for cell phone load.
