NBI files syndicated estafa raps vs Kapa officers

By: Tetch Torres-Tupas - 5 years ago

Three Kapa investors cover their faces in facing the media after filing a complaint together with the NBI against Kapa community ministry international, INC founder and 13 officers and employees for eight counts of syndicated estafa. INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) a criminal complaint against Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. (Kapa).

Facing a complaint for violating the Securities and Regulations Code (five counts) and eight counts of syndicated estafa are former radio announcer and the group’s founder Joel A. Apolinario, as well as the firm’s incorporators, namely: Nonita S. Urbano, Junnie G. Apolinario, Nelia V. Nino, Maria Pella B. Sevilla, Jquelyn A. Del Castillo, Cristobal R.Barabad, and Joji A. Jusay.

Also included in the complaint are corporate secretary Reyna L. Apolinario; director and treasurer Modie S. Dagala; and corporate directors Benigno D. Tipan Jr., Marnilyn M. Maturan, Ricky A. Taer, and Margie A. Danao. An undetermined number of “John Does” have also been impleaded by the NBI.

The NBI was accompanied by three investors. The three are the first of the group’s millions of members.

One of the complainants, a female senior citizen from Dinagat Islands said she was duped of her retirement funds amounting to P500,000 while her 38-year old son, who is also a complainant, invested P45,000. The third complainant invested P30,000 last June 3 and later discovered that the Kapa offices she transacted at were already closed.

In its report, the NBI also said that surveillance by its poseur agents, the firm’s Taytay Office at Blk.2 Lot 19, Greenville East, Taytay and in Quezon City confirmed that Kapa continued to transact with the public despite the April 3, 2019 decision of the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) revoking the certificate of registration of Kapa and the May 16, 2019 certification of the SEC’s Market and Securities Regulation Department (MSRD) stating that Kapa has not registered any securities and has no permit to sell securities.

The complaint is the first case of syndicated estafa fled against Kapa officials. The complaint pending before the DOJ and undergoing preliminary investigation was for violation of the Securities and Regulations Code which was filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). (Editor: Julie Espinosa)