10 victims of illegal recruitment file charges vs. La Castellana councilor, cohort

Ten victims of a police recruitment scam has filed charges of large scale estafa before the La Carlota City Prosecutors Office.

La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan confirmed the filing of charges by the victims against Sangguniang Bayan Member Donato “Natnat” Dumaguit and his alleged cohort identified as Mary June Delos Santos of Bacolod City and some John Does.

“For now 10 victims from La Castellana filed charges for large scale estafa against the suspects after they got witnesses and completed their affidavits,” Mangilimutan said.

She said she got the full support of the provincial government as assured by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson

“Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas is closely coordinating with the PNP for the filing of cases,” Mangilimutan said.

“More victims who were scammed of big amounts with the promise to be recruited as police officers are expected to file charges too,” Mangilimutan added.

“The court may weigh the veracity of the charges and decide the appropriate charges against the suspects,” the mayor added.

She also said that the National Police Commission will also conduct a separate investigation against police personnel who allegedly participated in the scam.

As to the status of Dumaguit, Mangilimutan said that the Sangguniang Bayan has already noted his three absences during their regular sessions.

“He will be obliged to report because of resolutions and ordinances passed by the SB that needed his signature. He will answer the cases against him but he still has to perform his duties and obligations as a member of the municipa council,” Mangilimutan pointed out.

As to the allegations of Dumaguit that the complaints against him are politically motivated, the mayor denied the claims he made in media interviews.

“We belong to the same party. I am not aware that I am politicking here. Do you need to get involved into a scam to come out with issues against your Mayor? ” Mangilimutan said.

She said the complaints against Dumaguit were received by the Municipal Council since April but she did expose it as no one during that time “took the courage to come out and expose the alleged scam.”

Mangilimutan said the victims filed separate complaints before the La Castellana Police Station against Dumaguit and Delos Santos after the victims paid amounts ranging from P247,000 to as much as P300,000 each, for them to enter the police service even if they are neither qualified nor eligible as promised by Dumaguit and Delos Santos.

The scam victimized two residents of Bacolod City, six residents of Moises Padilla, and 37 residents of La Castellana.

Another complainant had also filed a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation in Bacolod City on Tuesday.* (EYAdiong)