By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate an online lottery app’s misuse of the department’s logo, photos and other markings.
This came following reports that a mobile application called “PCSO Lotto Online Award” and its linked Facebook page “Online Lotto” intentionally misused the photos taken during a DILG event for advertisement purposes, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a statement.
“We have already directed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to immediately investigate this matter. We have also reported this unauthorized use of DILG materials to Meta for further action,” Remulla said.
The photos were from the Seal of Good Local Governance 2024 awarding ceremony and incentive fund national expo, which were about local governance excellence, and was in no way related to any online lottery.
“The Department of the Interior and Local Government strongly condemns the unauthorized use of our logos, photos, and other Department markings and materials for unrelated posts, advertisements, or any malicious purposes.” Remulla said.
He said the DILG has neither authorized nor granted permission to the said application, Facebook page or any entity to use its materials, particularly for such purposes.
He urged the public to be more vigilant and immediately report any similar activity to the nearest DILG or PNP office. (PNA)