Cops, soldiers in KAPA investment scam probed

MANILA, Philippines — A task force has been created to investigate government security forces alleged to be in cahoots with Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. founder Joel Apolinario.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa ordered the creation of the task force, citing reports that some police officers, soldiers and other government employees were involved in KAPA’s investment scam.

“The special task group will investigate kung sino ‘yung mga kasali dito. Yung sinasabi nila na members na hindi lang mula sa kapulisan or AFP (Armed Forces of the Philipines). Lahat ng member ng gobyerno,” Gamboa told an online press briefing yesterday.

He said charges would be filed against those behind the scam.

Apolinario, who was tagged in the biggest investment scam to hit the country in recent years, and 23 of his alleged security escorts were arrested in a resort in Barangay Handamayan in Lingig, Surigao del Sur on Tuesday.

Two of Apolinario’s men identified as Allan Binongo, 39, and Dennis Dialoding, 38, were killed while Melecio Siano, 42, was wounded in an alleged shootout with law enforcers.

The raiding team said 57 high-powered firearms were recovered from the suspects.

Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., Caraga police director, said they would also investigate how Apolinario  acquired an arms cache.

Esquivel said Apolinario could be building his private army.

Apolinario and several KAPA officials were charged with syndicated estafa for allegedly duping investors across Mindanao of more than P10 billion from 2016 to 2018.

The Securities and Exchange Commission said KAPA officials enticed the public to invest P10,000 in exchange for a 30 percent monthly ”blessing” or ”love gift” for life. —Ben Serrano