Ex-DPWH undersecretary, 8 others ordered arrested for links to investment scam

Department of Public Works and Highways

MANILA, Philippines—The Cagayan de Oro Regional Trial Court Branch 20 ordered the arrest of former Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Bashir Rasuman and several others involved in another investment scam that operated in Mindanao.

Aside from the former undersecretary, others ordered arrested include Emma Amer Rasuman, Bashir Rasuman Jr., Princess Aliah Tomawis Rasuman, Jeremiah Amer Rasuman, Jamirie Amer Rasuman, Jamila Rasuman Tomawis, Jalaima Rasuman Mangarun and Jerome Rasuman.

Jacob “Coco” Rasuman has already been arrested.

They are facing a case for violation of Presidential Decree 1689 or Syndicated Estafa.

The case stemmed from several complaints filed by individuals led by Ab—amar Sambitory and 24 other complainants who said that their investments as well as that of their relatives have amounted to P120-million.

Complainants said they were promised a return of about P274.075 million in just two months.

“The elements of syndicated estafa are all present specifically that by their modus, respondents, who are closely related to each other, showed unity of design and purpose in defrauding the public by holding out that NAD Auto Option Corporation and BDR Group of Companies exist, albeit untrue, and successfully inducing them to invest and part with their money,” the Department of Justice (DoJ) panel of investigators said.