NBI arrests one suspect; Laviña urges vigilance

MANILA – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is known for his crime-buster image, but someone dared to use his transition team spokesperson’s name to steal money.

Officials of Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) filed a complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-Graft Division after a person pretending to be Peter Laviña was able to get P700,000 from the bank.

Based on the complainants' affidavits, the suspect introduced himself to one of the senior officers of the bank as Peter Laviña, campaign spokesperson of President-elect Duterte.

The suspect asked for a P1-million donation from the bank for Duterte's camp in Davao City.

It was supposedly intended for the Senior Citizens' Day celebration on June 1 and the thanksgiving and victory party on Saturday, June 4.

The bank was also rushed to release the money.

The bank agreed and deposited the initial amount of P700,000, which was immediately withdrawn by a certain Jerico Sauco.

BPI was surprised when they received information that the solicitation was a syndicate's plan to swindle corporations and other entities.

"Nagbigay ang bangko ng pera but that was before making verification sa kampo ng, kampo ni incoming president Rodrigo Duterte," said Nathaniel Ramos, supervising agent from NBI Anti-Graft Division.

"At n'ung nag-verify nga sila, napagalamanan nila na hoax pala 'yon. Hindi pala tunay na si Peter Laviña 'yung kanilang kausap," Ramos added.

The NBI immediately conducted an entrapment operation after the suspect asked for the remaining amount.

Sauco was arrested right after he withdrew the money.

He denied being part of a syndicate and claimed he was only tasked to withdraw the money for a waste management company where he has a pending job application.

His three companions during the withdrawal were also arrested, one of whom claimed to be a Duterte supporter.

The four suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit estafa.

Meanwhile, the real Peter Laviña warned businessmen about the modus operandi and asked them to report if there are people claiming to be connected to Duterte's camp who are asking for money.

"Thank God the long arms of the law have finally caught up with sinister groups and individuals duping the public by using my name to solicit donations from hapless victims. These people are not only after easy money, they are trying to besmirch my name and that of the incoming President," Laviña said.

"Kudos to the authorities who apprehended this gang. Hopefully this will be a lesson to their kind that change has come. People and law enforcers are now vigilant."

The NBI is tracking the suspect who pretended to be Laviña and the initial P700,000 that was withdrawn.