Kapa execs no-show at DOJ hearing

Kapa founder Joel Apolinario, with his wife Reyna behind, speaks to the media during the rally Thursday, June 13, 2019, in General Santos City. (Photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO / Inquirer Mindanao)

MANILA, Philippines – Officials of Kapa International Ministry Inc. were a no-show at Friday’s hearing on the criminal complaint filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) by government regulators.

DOJ Assistant State Prosecutor Zenamar Machacon-Caparros said they have sent the summons to the respondents. However, they have not received any return notice.

Named respondents in the complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are Kapa founder and president Pastor Joel Apolinario, trustee Margie Danao, corporate secretary Reyna Apolinario and officers Marisol Diaz, Adelfa Fernandico, Moises Mopia, Catherine Evangelista and Rene Catubigan.

Only Lawyer Jose P. Aquino of the SEC’s-Enforcement Investor Protection Department (SEC-EIPD) along with two witnesses Lester Bautista and Bryant Symonde Chang appeared during the preliminary investigation.

Caparros told the complainants that in case the respondents continue to snub the DoJ preliminary investigations, the complaint will be resolved on the basis solely of the SEC complaint.

Meanwhile, Aquino said they are working with other government agencies to go after an unnamed individual who reportedly in possession of the bulk of the group’s funds.

Aquino, however, declined to comment when asked for details as well as the possibility of the money being still in the country.

“There are other agencies who are more competent to answer that question,” Aquino said.

Representatives from the SEC said they would present their witnesses in the next scheduled hearing on July 15.

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