Authorities to check if some cops, soldiers part of Kapa's PAG –Gamboa

Authorities will check if there are government and security officials who are involved in the activities of Kapa Community Ministry International (Kapa), according to Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Wednesday.

"The special task group is also there to investigate kung sino 'yung mga kasali dito, 'yung sinasabi nga nila na members, hindi lang ng kapulisan o ng AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines], lahat ng member ng gobyerno," Gamboa said at a virtual press briefing.

"Probably in the interview that we will conduct on the 23 personalities that we have apprehended, baka puwede silang magsalita to help us on this," he added.

In October 2019, the Department of Justice had recommended the filing charges against Kapa and its officers for employing an investment scam after investigating a criminal complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Gamboa said that if evidence would show that there are government officials linked to the group, cases could also be filed against them.

At the briefing, the PNP chief was asked if some security forces were part of the private armed group (PAG) of Kapa founder Joel Apolinario, because numerous firearms were also recovered during his arrest.

"These kinds of armaments are only being used by servicemen so it is presumed that some of them have background in military or police training. That is part of the ongoing investigation," CARAGA Police chief Police Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel said.

Apolinario and 23 others were arrested at an isolated resort in Sitio Dahican in Barangay Handamayan, Lingig, Surigao Del Sur.

Two unidentified suspects were killed while a certain Melecio Siano, one of Apolinario's men, was hurt and rushed to Bislig City District Hospital.

The Bislig Regional Trial Court Branch 29 ordered the arrest of Apolinario, trustee Margie Danao, corporate secretary Reyna Apolinario, and alleged promoters Marisol Diaz, Adelfa Fernandico, Moises Mopia and Reniones Catubigan on Tuesday.

Apolinario's group was accused of enticing the public to invest at least P10,000 into the organization in exchange for a 30% monthly return for life "without having to do anything other than invest and wait for the payout."  —LBG, GMA News