DOHA: The Philippine Embassy here has warned people against unauthorised individuals accepting donations for the victims of super typhoon Haiyan.
“We would like to warn the general public that they should be very careful in giving out donations because there are people who may take advantage of the situation, so please course through your donations to the right channels,” said Philippine Ambassador Crescente R Relacion yesterday.
His warning came following reports some individuals are soliciting donations personally and through social media.
The Philippine embassy in coordination with the United Filipino Organisations in Qatar (UFOQ) has authorised the 120 accredited community organisations to accept donations in cash or in kind, the ambassador said.
Those who wish to give donations may contact the Philippine Embassy through Faye Dela Paz (44831585) or UFOQ’s Lyndon Magsino (55698990), says a circular released on Sunday.
Ambassador Relacion said people may also directly remit to agencies in the Philippines namely the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
LBC Foundation is also offering to send in-kind donations such as canned and bottled food; medicine; bottled water, juice and milk; blankets and beddings; toiletries and laundry soap free of charge until November 25.
With regard to in-kind donations, the ambassador has discouraged used clothes as donations because DSWD would not accept them. Used clothing as donations is prohibited under Republic Act No. 4653.
The embassy has already received donations from the international community and will send the first batch this Saturday.
A book of condolences for the thousands who died of typhoon will be opened today at the Embassy.
The Peninsula
