THE Department of Labor and Employment-Davao Region (Dole-Davao) issued a public warning following reports of an individual impersonating one of their labor inspectors and soliciting money from local businesses.
The alarm was raised after a Facebook post earlier this week circulated online, detailing the suspect's unauthorized “establishment inspections” and extortion attempts.
According to the post, the scammer is specifically targeting micro-enterprises, falsely presenting himself as a legitimate labor official.
“Another scammer alert!!!! This person pretends to be an inspector of DOLE. *Mangayo siya ug kwarta. May gani kabalo na gyud mi aning ingon na mga klase na mga tawo. Beware. Ing ta mga micro businesses ang tirada. Ikaduha nami naadtoan ug ingon ani. Una tong nagdeliver ug mineral water. So sa mga businesses diha, amping. Ing ta kanunay. Walay pili maski semana santa*,” the Facebook user warned in a post that has since gone viral.
In response, Dole-Davao emphasized that legitimate labor inspections are always conducted by authorized personnel who are wearing the agency’s proper uniforms, carry official identification cards, and possess a duly issued Authority to Inspect. The government institution also reiterated that no fees or payments are ever collected during official inspections.
"We strongly urge business owners and the general public to remain vigilant," the regional labor agency said in a statement. "Let us work together to uphold the integrity of labor enforcement and ensure the protection of our workers and enterprises."
Dole-Davao is encouraging everyone who encounters suspicious individuals or activities to report them immediately to the nearest Dole office. Concerned citizens may contact the regional office via telephone at (082) 225-3764 or email at roll@dole.gov.ph. DEF