Manila: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday warned the public against individuals posing as officials or employees of the agency and promising jobs or projects in exchange for favors or payments.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon stated that the DPWH is closely coordinating with authorities to stop and apprehend those behind the scheme. The agency is working with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the PNP-CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) to address the issue.

Dizon issued the statement after receiving a report that an individual went to the DPWH Central Office in Manila for an alleged oath-taking ceremony for a position as 'regional director', based on a document sent through an online messaging application. He emphasized that all official appointments and transactions of the DPWH are processed only through legitimate procedures and official channels of communication.

The agency urged the public to remain vigilant and report such modus operandi and suspicious transactions through the DPWH Hotline 165-02, the agency's social media accounts, or via email at [email protected] or [email protected].

Meanwhile, the DPWH reported the arrest of two individuals for allegedly misrepresenting themselves as officials with authority over agency funds and for conducting project inspections in Davao City. The suspects, who identified themselves as the 'chairman' and 'vice chairman' of the DPWH, were arrested by the CIDG for usurpation of authority and falsification of public documents.