Kapa founder, 23 others nabbed in Surigao del Sur ops; 2 killed, 1 hurt

The founder of the Kapa Community Ministry International and 23 others were arrested on Tuesday in Surigao del Sur.

Two persons were killed while another was hurt in the operation which netted Kapa founder Joel Apolinario and several others, the PNP in Region 13 said.

Apolinario was arrested after policemen swooped down on an isolated resort in Sitio Dahican in Brgy. Handamayan, Lingig at 7:30 a.m.

An exchange of gunfire ensued between Kapa members and the authorities.

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

The operating team recovered from the crime scene 30 units of M16 rifle; two units of M4 rifle; one unit of Garand rifle; three units of 60 caliber machine gun; one unit of 50 caliber sniper rifle; three units of caliber 22 rifle; one unit of carbine; one unit of shotgun; two units of RPG; five units of caliber 45 pistol; and assorted ammunition.

Government troops are still present in the area to secure the place of incident, as the Surigao Del Sur - Provincial Laboratory Crime Office (PCLO) personnel conducted the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO).

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.

State prosecutors have filed criminal charges against the Kapa officers for violations of the Securities Regulation Code based on allegations by the corporate regulator.

The SEC had accused Kapa 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."

Prosecutors from the Department of Justice had found the officers sold or offered securities for sale without filing a registration statement with the SEC. -Jamil Santos/NB, GMA News