Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate the misuse of the department's logo, photos, and other markings by an online lottery app. This action follows reports of a mobile application named 'PCSO Lotto Online Award' and its associated Facebook page 'Online Lotto' allegedly using photos from a DILG event for advertisement purposes, as stated by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DILG has instructed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to promptly investigate the issue. The department has also reported the unauthorized use of its materials to Meta for further action. The photos in question were from the Seal of Good Local Governance 2024 awarding ceremony and incentive fund national expo, which focused on local governance excellence and bore no relation to any online lottery.

Secretary Remulla emphasized the department's strong condemnation of the unauthorized use of its logos, photos, and other materials for unrelated posts, advertisements, or any malicious purposes. He clarified that the DILG has not authorized or granted permission to the app, Facebook page, or any entity to use its materials for such purposes.

Remulla urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any similar activities to the nearest DILG or PNP office.