Dubai: As the death toll in the typhoon-hit southern Philippines is feared to increase in the coming days, fears of scammers also spread in social media sites taking advantage of the situation.
The public is advised to screen Facebook and Twitter accounts that have been recently put up appealing for help for the victims of typhoon Washi, which ravaged southern Philippines, particularly Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities, and other provinces in the Visayan region last weekend.
The Filipino Community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (Filcom-DNE), the umbrella organisation of 99 groups in the UAE, have begun collecting funds through its member organisations for typhoon Washi victims.
"We have requested all heads of Filipino organisations in the UAE to seek assistance from their members who have something extra to give—be it Dh 1, Dh5, or whatever is convenient for them," Alan Bacason, president of Filcom-DNE, told Gulf News.
Philippine Consul General Benito Valeriano, however, advised Filipino expatriates who wish to give financial assistance to the victims to only send it through credible and recognised organizations.
"They can always send their donations to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). If there's any official advisory from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila regarding this matter, we will let the public know," Valeriano said.
Online donations can be made through the website of PRC.
Bank accounts for donations
Banco De Oro
Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Peso: 00-453-0018647
Dollar: 10-453-0039482
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Peso: 4991-0036-52
Dollar: 004994-0103-15
Banco De Oro Peso Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39301-14199
Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Banco De Oro Dollar Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39300-81622
Swift Code: BNORPHMM
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank)
Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Peso Savings Account Number:3-098-51034-7
Dollar Savings Account Number:2-098-00244-2
Code:MBTC PH MM