By Leslie Ann Aquino
The Diocese of Digos has warned the public against scammers using the name of the diocese and Bishop Guillermo Afable to solicit money supposedly for earthquake victims.
"Beware of scammers," read the announcement of the diocese posted on their Facebook page on Wednesday.
"Do not entertain solicitations thru text or social media for earthquake victims using the name of Bp Jimmy Afable or the Diocese of Digos," it further read.
The diocese asked the public to first verify with them any information that they receive.
"Always conduct fact check first. The DSAC - Diocesan Social Action Center is open to assist you with your inquiries," said the diocese.
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Davao del Sur on December 15, a day before the start of the nine-day Simbang Gabi tradition ushering the Christmas season.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake’s epicenter was near the Matanao town, around nine kilometers west of Digos City.
Earlier, Afable asked Filipinos to pray the rosary for the quake victims who are still reeling from the series of earthquakes in October.
“We call on all Filipinos to pray together the Holy Rosary, especially today. Because this is the best thing to do in times of danger,” he told Radio Veritas.