In Mandaue City, a man was apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly posing as a representative of local lawmakers to extract money under false pretenses. The arrest took place on October 14, following a complaint from the office of Mandaue City Representative Emmarie 'Lolypop' Ouano-Dizon, which alerted the NBI about the suspect's fraudulent activities.
According to NBI-Cebu District Office head agent Arnel Pura, the suspect misrepresented himself as having connections with various government agencies, claiming he could help individuals obtain medical assistance, scholarships, and bail for detained relatives. His schemes involved soliciting money while providing no actual help, as noted by Pura during a recent press briefing.
Following his arrest, multiple victims came forward to report their experiences. Among them were four complainants, two of whom had sought medical assistance, and two others who were looking for help securing bail for family members in custody. On a recent Tuesday, at least five alleged victims visited the NBI-Cebdo office to share their accounts of the suspect's deceitful actions.
One of the victims, Dianita Ochia, recounted how the suspect gained her trust by showing photographs of himself with another local representative, which led her to believe he could facilitate her son's release from imprisonment. Initially, he asked for a fee of P1,899 in relation to her son's case and later demanded additional payments, further complicating her situation. She later learned that the phone number used by someone posing as a police officer was linked to the suspect, revealing a deeper layer of deception.
Dionesio Suplaag detailed an incident at a hospital where the suspect approached him, claiming he worked for the Department of Health (DOH) and could facilitate his sibling’s transfer to a different hospital. He requested at least P4,500 for notarization and other fees, but the deal fell through when Suplaag’s wife raised suspicions about the legitimacy of the request. Ultimately, assistance expenses were covered by Ouano-Dizon's office.
Another victim, Edna Gozon, also reported being approached under similar pretenses. The suspect, posing as an aide of Ouano-Dizon, asked her family for P400 to help facilitate the discharge of a patient from the hospital. Furthermore, he promised to assist in the release of her detained son for additional fees for processing and transportation.
Precious Torreta, an assistant at Ouano-Dizon's office, clarified that no intermediaries are required to access government assistance. She emphasized that applications should be processed directly by applicants or their closest relatives without the involvement of 'fixers', a term that refers to individuals who illegitimately offer bureaucratic assistance for a fee.
The NBI identified the suspect after assessing previous complaints and recognizing him when he returned to inquire about scholarship assistance. Following his arrest, Pura indicated that the suspect may face multiple charges, including estafa for misrepresentation and violations of various laws related to cybersecurity and business conduct.
During the press conference, the suspect expressed remorse for his actions, admitting wrongdoing and offering apologies to both the victims and Representative Ouano-Dizon. To prevent future incidents, Pura urged the community to be vigilant and to verify any claims made by individuals representing government offices.
The NBI's investigation is ongoing, and they have warned the public to remain cautious when dealing with anyone who claims to be connected to government programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the basis for the suspect's arrest?
The suspect was arrested for allegedly impersonating a representative of Mandaue City Rep. Emmarie Ouano-Dizon and other government agencies to solicit money from individuals seeking assistance.
What kind of fraud was the suspect accused of perpetrating?
The suspect was accused of promising medical assistance, scholarships, and bail for detained relatives, all while falsely claiming affiliation with government agencies and receiving payments without delivering any results.
How did the victims find out about the suspect's fraudulent actions?
Victims approached the NBI after experiencing failed promises of assistance, discovering that the suspect was utilizing misinformation, including fake contacts posing as police officers.
Reporting by Yangs for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.