Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic C. Remulla condemned the unauthorized use of logos, photos and other department materials for unrelated advertisements or malicious purposes in a statement on Monday.

"We have received reports that a mobile application, 'PCSO Lotto Online Award,' and its linked Facebook page, 'Online Lotto,' intentionally misused photos taken during a DILG event to promote their online lottery app," Remulla said.

He clarified that the Department had neither authorized nor granted permission to the application, Facebook page, or any other entity to use its materials, especially for such purposes.

The photos in question were from the “Seal of Good Local Governance 2024 Awarding Ceremony and SGLG Incentive Fund National Expo,” an event celebrating local governance excellence, which had no connection to online lottery activities.

"We have already directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group to investigate this matter immediately. Additionally, we have reported this unauthorized use of DILG materials to META for further action," Remulla stated.

He also urged the public to stay vigilant and report any similar incidents to the nearest DILG or PNP office.