By Ferdinand Patinio/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Diocese of Cubao on Thursday warned the public against a fake Facebook account and text message indicating that Bishop Honesto Ongtioco is asking for funds for a medical procedure he is undergoing.
In a statement posted on its Facebook account, the diocese said that a text message currently circulating and Facebook account under “Nes Ongtioco” (https:www.facebook.com/nes.ongtioco) are fake and urged those who will receive such message and request to disregard them.
“It has come to our attention that a text message is currently circulating indicating that our Bishop, Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, will be undergoing a triple by-pass surgery and that he is asking for funds,” the Diocese said.
“We would like to clarify that there is no truth about the said news. We advise the faithful of Cubao to refrain from giving any money in case you receive such a request for funds for the said purpose,” it added.
With this, the diocese advised the faithful that the official Facebook account of the Catholic prelate is named, “Honesto F. Ongtioco” (https://www.facebook.com/honesto.ongtioco.5).
It also reminded them to make sure to accept a friend request only from the bishop’s official Facebook account.
“We feel that those who began circulating this story and have set up this fake Facebook account have malicious intent. We enjoin everyone to help prevent the spread of this fake news,” the statement added.
At the same time, the diocese noted that they are consulting authorities to track down those behind the fake account.
“In the meantime, we will try to trace the source of this message with the help of IT experts and the proper authorities. If you have any leads, kindly let us know,” it added.
For the latest updates about this story, visit the Philippine News Agency website
