Ex-town councilor, 10 others sued over P60-M invest scam

By Erwin Beleo

CAMP OSCAR FLORENDO, La Union – Various cases are being filed by the prosecutor’s office against a former town councilor, live-in partner, and his eight employees for alleged multimillion-peso investment scam in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.

According to Police Regional Office 1 director Chief Supt. Romulo Sapitula, identified the suspects as former Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan municipal councilor Renato Gabiola; his live-in partner Sharmaine Junio Castillo also known as “Shamee,” from Bayambang, Pangasinan, who is allegedly a mastermind in the scam.

Aside from these couple, their nine employees were also filed with charges.

They include Mhay Ann Lanuza from Manaoag; Kristine Coleen Ada Martin from Laoac; Camille Cyree dela Cruz from San Nicolas; Haydee Marie Andrada E. Ramos; Hannah Cristina Marquez, Aurelia N. Marquez, all from Urdaneta City; Janice E. Daluzong from Dagupan City, all in Pangasinan province and Richelle B. Pangilinan from Baguio City.

All of them were arrested and at the custody of Urdaneta police station.

“Gabiola and his live-in partner Castillo together with their other employee identified as Chenyenne Pearl G. Nelvis also known “Chin-chin” from La Union are still at-large,” Sapitula said.

According to their modus operandi in the use of electronic modes Facebook social media “Urdaneta Buy and Sell”, this couple offered investors or members to receive large interest in a week. 50 percent of their money will have their profit shares in just seven or 10 days due to selling C and G Dry Goods “ukay-ukay” company located in Barangay Camantiles, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.

Members were told to give their investment (money) through bank-to-bank basis.

In return the large interest will also given in a bank.

“It was not yet clear exact number of victims of the said investment scam, and how much money was being run by suspects due to still on goes members are being filed charges in the police station, and also further investigation,” Sapitula added.

However, during inquest conducted by Assistant City Prosecutor Marco L. Bernardo, separate cases for estafa were already filed.

It was learned that about 1,000 victims of the investment scam, most of them are oversees Filipino workers (OFWs).

About P60 million estimated money was reportedly poured on the said investment firm.

The Police Regional Office 1 is locating all involved personnel in the investment scam to stop further activities of said group.