ATI-7 warns public vs fund solicitation scam

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Central Visayas has warned the public against an individual soliciting funds for activities falsely attributed to the agency.

In a scam alert issued on June 10, ATI Central Visayas said a person identified as Jennifer Laquesta, using the number 09616293202, is posing as the secretary of ATI-Central Visayas OIC-Center Director Vianney T. Ojerio.

The agency said the individual targeted ATI partners with fraudulent emails that used the institution’s official logo, the director’s signature and partner credentials to solicit funds for disaster victims.

ATI-Central Visayas said the individual is not affiliated with the agency and that the institution does not solicit monetary donations.

It added that no person or organization is allowed to use the name of ATI or its officers and staff for solicitation or fund-raising.

The agency also clarified that its letters do not use electronic signatures and are signed and issued by its Document Control Center.

ATI Central Visayas advised the public to verify all communications attributed to the institution and not to respond to messages from the individual.

It urged the public to report suspicious attempts through ATI’s official channels. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)

The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Central Visayas issued a scam alert on June 10 warning the public against an individual soliciting funds for activities falsely attributed to the agency. It urged the public to report suspicious attempts through ATI’s official channels. (ATI photo)

Bohol deploys rescue teams, P5 in aid for quake-hit Mindanao

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—The provincial government of Bohol will deploy rescue teams and send financial aid to Mindanao following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the SOCCSKSARGEN region on June 8.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered all relevant government agencies to take immediate action following the earthquake, which struck offshore near Sarangani.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened a special meeting on June 8 at the Provincial Capitol, presided over by Vice Governor Nicanor Besas.

It brought together representatives from provincial offices, national government agencies, and humanitarian organizations to discuss measures to assist those affected.

Discussions centered on the province’s planned deployment of personnel and resources to support response operations in the affected areas.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Dr. Anthony Damalerio said Bohol will deploy two Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) teams to assist in relief and response efforts.

One team of five rescue personnel and one driver will be assigned to Sarangani province, while another team with the same composition will go to General Santos City. Both teams are scheduled to depart on June 9, 2026.

The council recommended approving financial assistance for affected local government units through the province’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

Provincial Budget and Management Officer Peter Retutal presented the proposed package: ₱2 million for General Santos City, ₱1.5 million for Sarangani province and ₱1.5 million for South Cotabato.

The provincial government will also launch a donation drive for Bol-anons to help affected communities.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) was also tasked to organize a medical team for possible deployment to the affected areas.

Boholanos stand with Mindanao

In a separate statement, Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado expressed sympathy and solidarity with the earthquake victims.

“Makasubo ang nakita nato nga trahedya mahitungod sa pagtay-og sa yuta nga nasinati sa atong mga higala sa Mindanao, ilabi na sa habagatang bahin niini (It is heartbreaking to see the tragedy of the earthquake that our friends in Mindanao experienced, especially in the southern part),” he said.

Aumentado, who is in Canada along with other governors for Governance for Climate and Disaster Resilience activities, said Bohol stands firmly with the people of Mindanao.

“Kita sa Probinsiya sa Bohol, nibarog kuyog sa mga pinalangga natong mga Mindanawon nga karon nag-atubang sa usa ka dakong hagit. Ato silang i-ampo nga makatindog pag-usab, ug kita kanunay'ng andam nga mutabang, mubarog, ug makiglambigit,” Aumentado said.

(We in the Province of Bohol stand with our beloved Mindanawons who are currently facing a great challenge. Let us pray for them to rise again, and we are always ready to help, stand, and engage). (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)

Following the Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao, the Bohol Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened a special meeting on June 8, 2026, at the Governor’s Office in Provincial Capitol, bringing together representatives from concerned provincial offices, national government agencies, and humanitarian organizations to discuss measures to assist those affected by the earthquake. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)