Baguio faithful warned vs. group’s solicitation scam

MANILA – The Diocese of Baguio on Tuesday cautioned the public against a religious group asking for donations.

In a social media post, the diocese said the group 'Filipino Katoliko' is composed of men clad in white clergy cassocks who are seeking financial support from individuals, business establishments and government offices.

“Lay Faithful are asking whether it is a Roman Catholic group. No. The group is not affiliated to any Diocese or Religious Congregation or Institute of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines,” it said.

Based on the letter, the group is from Compostela, Davao de Oro and is in Baguio City to ask for donations to help build a new church in Surigao del Sur and the renovation of other church buildings in various areas of Mindanao.

A copy of the group's letter shared by the Baguio diocese showed it is raising funds for the "construction of our new church building situated at Bigaan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur which was affected by the road widening of National Highway from Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur to Bislig City, Surigao del Sur respectively and also for the renovation of our different Church buildings situated at different places in Mindanao, Philippines."

The solicitation letter is signed by a certain Most Rev. Pedro Fenis Jr. (PNA)