Retired Archbishop Paciano Aniceto has warned netizens not to “fall into the trap” of scammers soliciting funds using his name.
In his letter to the Office of the Archbishop Emeritus, Mother of Good Counsel Seminary in the City of San Fernando dated February 18, 2017, Aniceto said he did not authorize anyone to raise funds. “Please be advised that I have not authorized anyone to solicit money for false projects,” Aniceto said.
Angeles City Councilor Jay Sangil alleged that he received a private message from the Facebook account of Abp Paciano Aniceto asking for financial assistance.
The message also dropped the name of former Angeles City Councilor Max Sangil. The message states: “Jay, mayap a yabak. Im calling Max peru he is not answering. Atin kung makisabi kung mayap Malyari ya bang makapag-solicit? Atyu ku keng Cebu ngeni mig attend Conference of Asian Emeritus Bishops. I am bringing Bishop Okado of Tokyo and Archbp Ikenega of Osaka there in Sn. Fdo. We are raising for some amount for their fare ining huwebes Kung malyari ya, please send your donation c/o Alfie H. Crusis Dominican House of Prayer, Lahug, Cebu City, through any money courier pls E mu kakalingwan.”
The message sender gave the celphone number 09261519370. Sangil called the number and talked to a certain “Alfie” but was referred to a certain Fr. Paul Cabrera, who presented himself as Aniceto’s secretary.
A check by Sangil, however, revealed that Aniceto was never in Cebu City but stayed at the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary after getting sick.
“A scam letter has been circulating since January 11, 2017. A second letter (FB message) nearly victimized Angeles City Councilor Jay Sangil. The good councilor is prudent not to give any donation. Please don’t fall into the trap of this false fundraising project,” Aniceto said.