Manila, Feb. 7 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday warned the public against persons using the identity of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in solicitation and other illegal activities.

In a statement, the DA said Tiu Laurel's contact number and image are being used to create fake requests.

"It has come to our attention that some individuals are impersonating the Secretary on various social media platforms and messaging apps, soliciting financial assistance and engaging in other unlawful activities," it said.

The DA urged the public to ignore similar requests and directly report to the Office of the Secretary (OSEC).

In a separate memorandum, Undersecretary and Chief-of-Staff Alvin John Balagbag also told oth...