Thousands of families displaced by the fighting in the city of Marawi in the southern Philippines continue to live in temporary shelters. (Photo by Mark Saludes)
Iligan Diocese in the southern Philippines has warned the public against fraudulent activities related to relief operations for displaced families in the city of Marawi.
The diocese warned of "illegal solicitations" purportedly to help the victims of the conflict in Marawi where armed clashes continue between government security forces and terrorist gunmen.
Church authorities said some people are introducing themselves as part of the diocese’s relief operations and have been asking for money from people.
"If you want to give something or some amount for the evacuees, please send it directly to [the people] or through the Diocese of Iligan or Prelature of Marawi," a Iligan diocesan official said.
Earlier, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines announced that it has implemented a 10-million peso humanitarian response to affected Marawi residents.
The amount will cover the essential needs of some 15,000 displaced people who sought shelter in the Iligan Diocese.
