MANILA, Philippines?The Philippine embassy in Riyadh has warned against "unauthorized fund-raising activities" by some Filipinos in the Middle East kingdom supposedly for victims of Tropical Storm "Ondoy" and Typhoon "Pepeng" here.

In a report to the home office, the diplomatic mission in the Saudi Arabian capital said "these individuals and groups are allegedly claiming that the Philippine embassy has authorized them to collect donations for our countrymen."

"The embassy has not authorized any individual or group in Saudi Arabia to undertake solicitations for the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in the Philippines," the embassy said in a statement.

It said, however, that those interested in lending their support to typhoon victims may contact the embassy through the following numbers: (01) 482-3559, 480-1918, 482-4254, 482-1802, and 482-1577, or e-mail at filembry@sbm.net.sa.

Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Willy Gaa has cited the Filipino community in Hawaii for coming to the aid of thousands of Filipinos affected by the two typhoons which hit the country over three weeks ago.

Gaa lauded, among others, the officers and members of the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii for being "dependable partners of Philippine embassies and consulates in carrying out advocacies and civic work in their respective communities."

"Boxes of donations were dropped off by the group at the Philippine consulate (in Honolulu) for shipment to Manila," Gaa noted.

Representing Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, the envoy was on official visit to Honolulu for the change of command ceremonies at the US Pacific Command headquarters there.