Former TV host Jay Sonza. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Former TV host Jay Sonza is being detained in the Quezon City Jail quarantine facility in Payatas after he was arrested for alleged estafa and syndicated and large-scale illegal recruitment, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said Tuesday.
BJMP spokesperson Jayrex Joseph Bustinera told INQUIRER.net they received Sonza from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) last August 3. Government agents arrested him on July 18.
“BJMP has received in custody Jose Sonza last August 3, 2023, by virtue of Commitment Order issued by RTC (Regional Trial Court) Branch 100 Quezon City, for the case of estafa and syndicated and large-scale illegal recruitment,” Bustinera said.
“He was transferred by NBI Manila to Quezon City Jail-Ligtas Covid Center Quarantine Facility, in Payatas QC,” he added.
Prior to this, Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval said Sonza was bound for Hong Kong when immigration officers intercepted him at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 last July 18.
Sandoval revealed that upon verification, BI personnel found out that Sonza is on the active watchlist due to a warrant of arrest for 11 counts of estafa.
“The case was referred to the duty immigration supervisor for verification. Upon verification, it was established that the passenger and the subject of the WLO (watch list order) are one and the same. As such, he was turned over to the NBI, who in turn effected the arrest,” she said.
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