MAYOR OLEGARIO CLARIFIES: CERTIFICATE OF APPEARANCE DID NOT AUTHORIZE GROUP TO SOLICIT IN IPIL
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Mayor Ramses Troy Olegario has called on residents of Ipil to remain vigilant following reports of a group of individuals wearing clerical robes or sotana who have been going around the municipality and soliciting money from the public.
In a Facebook post, Fr. Nane clarified that the group is not affiliated with the Catholic Church and does not represent the Diocese.
Mayor Olegario explained that the individuals had visited his office and requested a Certificate of Appearance (CA) simply as proof that they had been to the Mayor’s Office.
However, the mayor clarified that he did not authorize or endorse the group’s solicitation activities. The Certificate of Appearance was reportedly attached to their solicitation materials and allegedly used in a manner that could give the public the impression that the Mayor’s Office had authorized them to solicit.
The mayor stressed that the issuance of the certificate was not an authorization to solicit money from the public.
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Following the report, the local police are now locating the individuals involved to retrieve the Certificate of Appearance reportedly being used in connection with their solicitation activities.
Authorities are also working to consolidate information and verify the circumstances surrounding the group’s activities, including how the certificate was obtained and how it was subsequently used.
Mayor Olegario urged Ipilenos not to be easily persuaded by the group’s religious attire or by official-looking documents presented during their solicitation.
Residents are advised to verify first with the Mayor’s Office, the Diocese, or the local police before providing any financial assistance.
A Certificate of Appearance merely confirms that a person appeared at or visited a particular office. It does not constitute a permit, endorsement, or authorization to solicit funds from the public.
Anyone who has encountered the group or has information about their whereabouts is encouraged to report the matter to the local police.
The public is reminded to remain vigilant and to carefully verify claims of affiliation or authorization before giving financial assistance.
