Police to file estafa raps vs suspects

Con artists who fooled several businesses in Metro Cebu into delivering over P6 million in goods before the May 13 election are still in Cebu, according to police investigators.

So far, no sign of the bulk supplies or vehicles used by the swindlers have been seen being loaded onto inter-island vessels, said Insp. Jose Nilo Abello of the Theft and Robbery Section of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.

He said police have been monitoring seaports for the suspects.

Abello said police are finalizing the filing of complaints for estafa against three male and three female suspects – Aljohn Abrenica, Faith Booc Baya/Meryl Baya, Anabelle Booc Igot, Bea Tan Rama and four others who are still to be identified.

Abello said police required the victims to send a demand letter addressed to the suspects, a step needed in establishing estafa.

He said their office welcomes other victims of the syndicate to file their complaints.

“By next week, we can probably start filing the cases. For now we are still waiting for other victims to submit their papers.” Abello said.

The goods bought by the suspects were delivered to a rented house in Casa Nuestra Subdivision in Lapu-Lapu City that was later abandoned.

The police have traced the persons hired by the suspects to carry the goods to a waiting truck last May 14. Abella said they are residents of barangay Buaya. Police have taken their statements.

Abello warned stores to be extra careful in accepting post-dated checks as payment especially on non-banking days.

The suspects purchased a variety of goods – tires, computers, construction materials, appliances, food. The using checks which turned out to be unfunded. /Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza