PASIG CITY, Oct. 6 – Secretary Ismael “Mike” D. Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warns the public against extortionists who pretend to be members of the DILG Task Force Agila.
Task Force Agila was created by the Department in August 2016 as a legal and investigatory task force that handles the investigation of all past and incumbent local officials with alleged links to the illegal drug trade.
Sueno issued the warning after receiving reports that con-men are using the name of the Task Force to get money from local officials who are being investigated for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs.
“The DILG will not exchange for any amount the trust of the Filipino people and the trust of our President to lead a clean government in this administration,” he said.
“This is against the very reason for the creation of the Task Force. The DILG vehemently condemns extortion and more so the use of the name of the Department and its programs in doing illicit actions that are contrary to law and the interest of the public,” he added. The DILG Secretary encourages citizens to report immediately any unlawful activities being done through the malicious and bogus use of the name of the Task Force Agila.
The bona fide Task Force Agila is composed of officials of the DILG, National Police Commission (Napolcom), and the Philippine National Police (PNP). DILG Undersecretary for Operations Atty. John R. Castriciones, task force chairperson, said the public may directly report any extortion activity and any relevant information on narco execs to Task Force Agila through hotline numbers 09055664464.
