Authorities in Naga City, Camarines Sur are on a hunt for a man who solicited money from establishments in the city using the mayor’s signature and the city’s official seal.

Initial investigation showed that the man had solicited up to P15,000 from up to 20 establishments.

Footage from a CCTV camera captured an instance the man entered a building and showed the letter to the owner of the establishment. The owner then gave the man P300.

It was found later that the letter asked for contributions for a supposed fundraising initiative for a gay pageant in Metro Manila, which would reportedly take place on March 2.

The owner of the establishment believed the letter because it had the signature of Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion and the official seal of the local government unit.

The city denies sending out such letter.

“Ito pong e-signature ni Mayor na nakalagay doon, may larawan pa so kung hindi ka talaga—magdududa, aakalain mong galing sa opisina ng alkalde. Wala pong ginagawang ganito ang opisina ng alkalde para po sa solicitation,” said Elmer Baldemoro, City Administrator of Naga City.

The barangay where the man reportedly lives told GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolanda that no one by the name of the suspect lives there.

“Iko-confirm ko lang po na walang residenteng nagngangalang…. dito sa Calauag,” said Amy Salva, a barangay councilwoman.