But still, the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) is taking no chances and has warned of scammers using its name in extorting money from the public.
On Monday, Abigail Mamangun, F&B executive of Widus Hotel and Casino here, got a text message purportedly from the PPI:
“ATTN. ABIGAIL MAMANGUN FEDEREZ OF WIDUS HOTEL AND CASINO THIS FROM THE PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE(PPI) WE RECEIVED A PAID ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AGAINST YOU FOR MORE DETAILS YOU MAY REACH US AT 02 3347366 CP# 09177553306 LOOK FOR MR AMADO MACASAET.”
Sheryl Mamangun, public relations officer of the hotel, immediately called the attention of the media to verify the message. PPI chair Al Pedroche, a member of the Capampangan in Media, Inc. (CAMI), expressed alarm over news of the scam noting the audacity of the scammers. “This obviously is a fake,” he said.
PPI secretary Sheila Remitar said their office has already received numerous reports of scams using the name of the PPI.
Ariel C. Sebellino, PPI executive director, said PPI has already issued a “statement/ warning” nationwide.
“Of late, the Philippine Press Institute, also known as the national association of newspapers, has been receiving complaints from supposed victims of a scam from an office or group pretending to be PPI, or from individuals claiming to be PPI employees — via email, sms, facsimile, or any other form or mode of communication using PPI’s name and its appurtenances to be able to extort.
“No such things came from our office in Intramuros. These are fake – and coming from posers and charlatans. Victims, would-be victims, and the public in general are warned not to cooperate with these (fake) people or groups by (not) giving in to their absurd claims and demands.
“Please report to the PPI Secretariat any such blatant, malicious, and evil efforts to malign the 64-year old organization or use its name for their own interests by making hapless and innocent victims fall into their traps.
“We are keeping and documenting proofs of complaints alongside fake letters or messages as we have already consulted the NBI for necessary action.
“We (the active and regular members, board, and secretariat) remain the true and authentic Philippine Press Institute whose lone office is located at Room 206, Banco Filipino Condominium, Aduana Street, Intramuros, Manila with telephone numbers 5279632, 5274478, and 5273390 (fax) and email address ppressinstitute@ gmail.com.”
Meanwhile, Pedroche said Macasaet has been sick for a long time and inactive at PPI.
