MANILA — The government will enforce the strictest penalties against “fixers” or illegal intermediaries extorting money from potential beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Wednesday.

“The stiffest criminal penalties will apply,” Gatchalian told reporters in a Palace briefing when asked how the agency would address cases of fixers demanding money in exchange for facilitating aid requests.

“Kung may natatanggap kami na mga ganyang report, our field offices will investigate, verify and then we will file the appropriate charges,” he said. “Kung ano iyong pinaka-severe na puwede naming kasuhan o ikaso iyon ang gagawin natin.”

The DSWD reminded the public that fixers’ “services” are unnecessary and illegal, urging individuals to approach its field offices directly for assistance.

Gatchalian also stressed the importance of combating misinformation targeting social pensioners, saying the agency has been conducting an active information campaign to ensure that citizens only receive accurate details.

“Naniniwala kami sa DSWD na para makatanggap ng tamang tulong ang ating mga mamamayan, dapat tamang impormasyon iyong nakukuha nila,” he said. “So, we’ve always encouraged them to like and follow the official verified account ng DSWD. Kasi iyon lang dapat ang source ng impormasyon.”

He added that the agency will continue to coordinate with law enforcement to track down those spreading misinformation, particularly on the granting of government aid.