Raps filed vs Sarangani investment scam suspects

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)yesterday filed charges for syndicated estafa against 39 officials and members of a credit cooperative firm in Sarangani who allegedly duped more than 1,000 people in an investment scam.

 Among those charged were Alabel-Maasim Credit Cooperative (ALAMCCO) chairman Jerson Cagang, vice president Conrado Mancao and board directors Albert Cagang, Juanito John Castillo and Benigno and Trison, both surnamed Cereño.

 Cagang’s former aide, Bobby Gonzalo, and his brother Maximo, who said the respondents asked them to look for investors, filed the complaint.

Bobby said he invested P1.2 million while the others investors pitched in more than P60 million

The NBI said the respondents promised the investors an interest of 35 percent of per month.

KAPA execs

Meanwhile, Kapa Community Ministry founder and president Joel Apolinario and 13 other KAPA officials, who are facing charges also over an alleged investment scam, were asked yesterday to file their counter-affidavits not later than Oct. 7. 

The KAPA officials again failed to submit their counter-affidavits during yesterday’s hearing. 

The NBI filed syndicated estafa charges against Apolinario’s wife and KAPA corporate secretary Reyna; treasurer Modie Dagala; directors Benigno Tipan Jr., Marnilyn Maturan, Riicky Taer and Margie Danao, and incorporators Nonita Urbano, Junnie Apolinario, Nelio Nino, Maria Pella Sevilla, Jouelyn del Castillo, Cristobal Barabad and Joji Jusay.  

Maria Lourdes Uy, chairperson of the Department of Justice panel of prosecutors, said the case could be submitted for resolution as soon as the counter-affdavits are filed.