CAGAYAN DE ORO - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 on Tuesday issued a warning regarding members of a group that allegedly collects money for people to avail a loan.

The DTI warned the public against falling victim to the scam allegedly perpetrated by people claiming to be members of "Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines".

The group reportedly collected P100 each from several individuals in Misamis Oriental as payment for their ID that can be allegedly used to borrow P15,000 under the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso (P3) Program.

However, DTI Small Business Corporation Officer Jade Montero said Misamis Oriental is not included in the P3 program.

"In the initial implementation of the program there are 30 provinces and Misamis Oriental is not included. Those who complained were from Misamis Oriental, so clearly this is a scam," Montero said.

Police Supt. Lemuel Gonda, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 10, said there is still no blotter report pertaining to the modus in the region but he urged the public to immediately report it to them.

However, Eldie Rotoras, city director of Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines in Cagayan de Oro, said the suspected con artists are just using their group's name.

He said they have a national ID but it is not compulsory and only costs P50.

He added that their group is intended to hold forums regarding federalism and they are not promising any financial benefits to members.

The DTI reminded the public that they can visit their regional office to inquire about the P3 program that aims to help small business entities. --Report from Angelo Andrade, ABS-CBN News