Misamis Occ guv warns public vs. scammers soliciting donations for flood victims

Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal has warned the public against groups soliciting donations for flood victims in the province.

"It has come to our attention that there are individuals/groups trying to solicit donations and claiming to have turned them over to affected individuals in the province, where in fact they have not," Oaminal said in a Facebook post Sunday.

Oaminal urged the public to remain vigilant while the provincial government is closely coordinating with the local police to arrest the "scammers and opportunists."

He said the local government is using its funds and resources to provide relief to the victims of landslides and flooding.

"Further, please be informed that the provincial government is on top of the situation and is utilizing all of its available resources to provide relief needs to our beloved Misaminons who are affected by the heavy rains, flooding and landslides," he said.

While he issued the warning, Oaminal said those who wish to help his constituents may coordinate with the proper local government units.

On Sunday, at least two casualties were reported in Misamis Occidental due to flash floods caused by heavy rains brought about by the northeast monsoon or Amihan along with the damage to a nearby dike.

Neck-high floods were reported in the Tudela area, where only the roofs of residential properties were left visible.

Among those evacuated were senior citizens, who were assisted after experiencing difficulty in breathing.

Several families in both the Visayas and Mindanao regions were forced to evacuate due to the flooding, with the local government of Zamboanga reporting some 300 families seeking refuge.—Hana Bordey/AOL, GMA Integrated News