Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Public warned v. racketeers posing as NFA workers
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The National Food Authority (NFA)-Pampanga branch has warned the public about reported racketeers who are using the name of the food agency and its programs to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
NFA provincial manager Elvira Obaña said the agencies' offices in Central Luzon had been alerted after a businesswoman in Aurora province was allegedly duped by two women who claimed to be employees of the agency and are in charge of the accreditation and distribution of groceries and NFA rice for "Tindahan Natin" outlets.
"Tindahan Natin" is the agency's flagship project wherein accredited outlets are given allocation of NFA rice.
Obaña said certain Jennifer Ison and still unidentified woman required cash advance of P4,000 from victim, Melinda Mina, a store owner in Aurora early this month.
Ison, who was reported to have received the money, is about 38 to 40 years old, 5'0" in height, and with short hair.
Ison allegedly presented an identification card indicating "Tindahan Natin Rolling Store, Kadiwa Cooperative Corp." with business address at 110 Rodriguez Libis, Quezon City and with Tax Identification Number 018-75-605.
Police authorities have already been alerted against Ison and her cohorts.
Obaña said prospective retailers should transact business directly to NFA offices to prevent unscrupulous individuals from preying on the public. (ABL)
