NFA: Beware of fake administrator soliciting money

ISABELA, Philippines – After the controversy over “fake rice”, the National Food Authority (NFA) faces yet another issue – a “fake” administrator again.

Three mayors from this province reported an alleged “fake” administrator of the NFA soliciting money for a medical mission, the agency said on Friday, January 22.

In a press release, NFA administrator Renan Dalisay said the poseurs were also able to collect money from “unsuspecting” rice importers and cooperatives.

“The poseur/s had allegedly been calling rice importers and cooperatives, and introducing himself/themselves as NFA Administrator Renan B. Dalisay,” the press statement said.

The alleged “fake” administrator used the mobile phone numbers 09955132593; 09064697941; 09152075487; and 09158530037 to contact victims.

Dalisay said he has called on NFA personnel to investigate and arrest the suspect, adding, “[We] cannot allow them to destroy the good name and reputation of our agency.”

In a phone interview, NFA spokesperson Angel Imperial clarified that the mayors of Isabela did not give money to the poseurs.

“The administrator was called by Herculano “Joji” Co, president of the Philippine Confederation of Grains Association, and reported that Aurora, Isabela Mayor [William] Uy received calls from the poseur administrator,” Imperial told Rappler.

The two other mayors were not identified.

Not the first time

NFA Deputy Administrator Tomas Escarez issued a memorandum calling on all NFA officials and employees to conduct an intensive information drive about the modus operandi.

He warned the public to “refrain from transacting any business or honoring any call or calls from anybody presenting himself as the NFA Administrator.”

This is not the first time that an incident like this has happened.

In July 2015, Dalisay already reported hearing about 10 incidents involving an impostor administrator calling NFA contractors and telling them he was selling import permits.

Import permits are valuable because they are given to only a few private rice importers who pass NFA accreditation standards.

In 2014, a certain Ramon Villar from Las Piñas was arrested in Isabela for faking his identification card and introducing himself as Dalisay.

Villar was charged with usurpation of authority and swindling charges. – Rappler.com