DOJ seeks transfer of Rasuman case to Manila

THE LEADER of the Rasuman group, Jachob “Coco” Rasuman. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DoJ) asked the Supreme Court to transfer the venue of the court cases filed against Jachob “Coco” Rasuman, the suspected leader of an investment scam group operating in Lanao del Sur.

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano, in a phone interview said they want the high court to transfer the case before the Manila Court.

Rasuman has a pending case before the Cagayan De Oro Regional Trial Court Branch 20 and before the Misamis Oriental Regional Trial Court Branch 23 both are for syndicated estafa.

Aside from Rasuman, his co-accused include his father former Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Bashir Dimaampo Rasuman, Emma Rasuman, Bashir Rasuman Jr., Princess Aliah Tomawis Rasuman, Jerome Rasuman and several others.

Among the reasons cited in the two page motion is the fact that aside from Coco Rasuman who is detained at the National Bureau of Investigation, most of the parties involved have temporarily relocated in Manila for fear of their safety.

Arellano also said that aside from security risk, it would be costly on the part of the government if Rasuman will be transported from Manila to Cagayan De Oro City or Misamis during trials.

“The climate in those areas are not also conducive for holding trials [because] prosecutors and witnesses are vulnerable to threats,” he said.

He also pointed out that considering that some local government officials are allegedly involved, they can use their resources to “easily influence the outcome of the trial.”

The DOJ also sought a suspension of proceedings before the two courts pending decision from the Supreme Court.