Manila, Feb. 16 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warned the public against individuals impersonating Secretary Rex Gatchalian to solicit donations.

Using Gatchalian's name, scammers sent messages on various platforms asking for money. In some cases, they posed as his aide.

In a Feb. 14 post on Facebook, Gatchalian denied seeking or authorizing any monetary solicitation.

"Nais ko pong linawin na hindi ako at hindi kailanman ako nanghihingi o nagso-solicit ng anumang halaga para sa umano'y donasyon sa anumang foundation. Mag-ingat po sa mga nagpapanggap bilang Rex Gatchalian, lalo na sa Signal at WhatsApp, kung saan ginagamit nila ang aking litrato, pangalan, at maging ang contact number upang manloko (I want t...