DOH warns hospitals, public vs name-dropping solicitors

The Department of Health warned hospitals over the weekend against unscrupulous individuals soliciting money by dropping the name of Health Secretary Enrique Ona. Citing recent reports reaching it, the DOH said the extortionists “misrepresent" themselves as Ona in their solicitation activities. “In view of this, we are advising the public that such fraudulent activities are not authorized by the department nor are these persons connected with the department in any way," it said. However, the DOH did not give further details of the supposed extortion activities. The DOH also reminded the public “to be wary of such extortive activities and to take the necessary precaution before entering into suspect transactions." — JE, GMA News