This scam started a few years back. But of late, the Philippine Press Institute (PPI, also known as the national association of newspapers, has been receiving a barrage of complaints from supposed victims of a scam from an office or group pretending to be PPI, or from individuals claiming to be PPI employees — via email, sms, facsimile, or any other form or mode of communication using PPI’s name and its appurtenances to be able to extort. This has been going on and off for the last 5 years.
No such communication (read: lies) came from our office in Intramuros. These are fake — and coming from posers and charlatans. Potential victims would-be victims, and the public in general, are warned not to cooperate with these extortionists (fake people or groups) by (not) giving in to their absurd claims and demands.
Please report to the PPI Secretariat (02-82445278) any blatant, malicious, and evil efforts to malign the 57-year old organization or use its name and officers for their own interests by harassing hapless and innocent people to believe their scam.
We are keeping and documenting proofs of complaints (fake letters, emails, and messages) as we have already consulted the NBI for necessary action. See sample email from the scammer/s.
Beware of this person Philip Aranato using email address ppi.aranato@gmail.com and mobile number 09317008051.
We, the Members, Board, and Secretariat remain the true and authentic representatives of the Philippine Press Institute whose lone office is located at Room 206, Banco Filipino Condominium, Aduana Street, Intramuros, Manila with phone numbers 02-82445278 and 09988641360, email address ppressinstitute@gmail.com and website www.philpressinstitute.net.
References:
Ariel C. Sebellino
PPI Executive Director and Trustee
Bess Zamora
Administrative Officer and Accountant
Joenald Rayos
Treasurer
