Solicitor nabbed for fake letter

CEBU, Philippines —  A man was collared by the Talisay City Police for allegedly taking advantage of the COVID-19 situation and using a fake solicitation letter to try and collect money from various individuals.

Police identified the suspect as Hector Montemayor, 26, of Barangay Poblacion, Toledo City, who also goes by the aliases of “Jun Mark Edolorio” and “Kenneth Canapi”.

It was Analie Badajos Mission, 21, of Sitio Tunga, Barangay Tanke, Talisay City, who said Montemayor approached her some time ago asking for money from her with a solicitation letter allegedly signed by Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr.

The letter read that the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, Sara Duterte Carpio, will have a meeting with the mayors in Cebu. They will also hold a concert and they need to raise funds.

After the incident, Mayor Gullas, in a social media post, urged the public to be aware since he has nothing to do with the solicitation letter. He also asked the authorities to find the person who is responsible for the fraud.

Last Thursday evening, Montemayor went back to Mission with another fake solicitation letter asking for money again, this time to buy items to be used to protect from the virus.

However, Mission, already aware of the modus, reported the incident to the authorities who then arrested Montemayor.

Talisay City Police chief Police Major Gerard Ace Pelare said Montemayor is being held responsible for distributing fake solicitation letters last week. He also urged other individuals who were victimized by Montemayor to visit their office to file charges against the suspect.

Pelare also said Montemayor also has a pending warrant of arrest for the case of estafa.  BRP (FREEMAN)