Man arrested for posing as OVP staff, soliciting money

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — A man who claimed to be a staff of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) was arrested for allegedly soliciting money for beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s various financial assistance programs.

Joel Calis, vice president of RNA Foundation Philippines Inc. and a resident of Caloocan City, was apprehended by operatives of the San Jose del Monte police, Brig. Gen. Cesar Pasiwen, Bulacan police director, said.

The office of San Jose del Monte Mayor Arthur Robes sought police assistance after Calis introduced himself as an OVP staff. The suspect was reportedly wearing a blue polo shirt with an embroidered logo of the OVP.

Police said Calis failed to present any identification that will prove that he is affiliated with the office.

OVP spokesman Reynold Munsayac called on the public to be wary of unscrupulous individuals or groups posing as OVP employees.

”Carefully verify the identity of anyone who introduces himself or herself as having links with the OVP,” Munsayac said.

He advised the public to call telephone numbers 8532-5942 or 8370-1719 to report any suspicious person or group.