THE Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo warned the faithful against unscrupulous individuals using the former’s name and the recent terror attack at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in soliciting funds.
In an interview with CBCPNews, Jolo Apostolic Administrator Fr. Romeo Saniel denied that they have sent out a “solicitation letter” online supposedly asking donations for the repair of the Jolo cathedral and the medical bills of the blast victims.
“Please be informed that we have nothing to do with this person who is soliciting funds for the victims of Jolo Cathedral,” Saniel told the official news agency of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
He identified the alleged scammer as a certain “Victor Torres,” who introduces himself as a priest and asking people for donations.
The CBCPNews noted that a check with the Catholic Directory of the Philippines did not show “Victor Torres” as a priest incardinated to any diocese.
“The total estimated cost for the church repair and medical expenses is $45,000 with $8,000 raised, leaving $37,000 as balance,” read part of the online letter of “Fr. Torres.”
“If you’re touched to help relieve our brethren and help repair the house of God that has been left deteriorated, please notify me so I can give you details of where to donate,” the letter added.
To recall, the Jolo Cathedral was bombed twice last January 27 while a number of peopple were hearing Sunday Mass.
The twin blasts damaged the cathedral and claimed at least 23 lies. A number of people were also wounded. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)