2 suspects in Aman Group scam yield to authorities

Two employees of the Aman Futures Group—in hot water for an alleged multi-billion peso pyramiding scam—have already surfaced, with one of them hoping to become a state witness.   One of them, Donna Coyme, the company’s financial manager, went to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office in Iligan City in Lanao del Norte to come clean about her alleged involvement in the scam, according to a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras” on Friday.   Some 15,000 people were said to be victimized by Aman Group, whose owner, Manuel Amalilio, had already fled the country. In Lanao del Sur, Jacob “Coco” Rasuman, supposedly one of the biggest agents of the Aman Futures Group, also yielded to authorities. In a video uploaded to the site ARMM Open Reports—with the tagline “Matuwid na Pamamahala Tungo sa ARMM na Masagana't Mapayapa!”—Rasuman can be seen addressing those who invested in the company in the Maranao language, pleading for more time about the return of their investments. "To be honest, all businesses, like human beings, do encounter problems along the way. We are never called human beings if we are not prone to commit errors,” he said. "To all investors, especially those who are here, please be patient with me. You all know that my agents have significantly helped you. We need you. Do not turn your back on us just like we have not turned our backs on you,” he added. According to the provincial director of Lanao del Sur, Rasuman handed himself over to Marawi City police out of fear for his life. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has already instructed Prosecutor General Claro Arellano to conduct a preliminary investigation on the suspects so that cases can be filed in court and warrants of arrest can be issued against them. Tutor According to the "24 Oras" report, Coyme claimed to be a former tutor of the children of Fernando “Nonoy” Luna, Amalilio’s supposed right-hand man. She reportedly said she agreed to work with Luna as a financial manager last May when he mentioned needing assistance in fixing the financial system of his company. She said her job entailed issuing checks for the Aman Futures Group and organizing the records of the company’s investors. Coyme estimated processing around P500 million for the company. She also mentioned Luna not having any idea about the documentation. She also reportedly said she has no idea of the whereabouts of Luna and Amalilio. Coyme, Luna and Amalilio are among the 38 names included by the Bureau of Immigration in its lookout bulletin for their alleged involvement in the scam. Mayor involved? Coyme also alleged that Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co invested around P30 million in Aman Futures Group and even referred investors to the company. She also said Co distributed checks from Amalilio. In a separate report, Co denied being involved in the scam, saying he himself is a victim. He also said he only invested P5 million — and not P30 million as Coyme said — and that he used his own money.  — Gian C. Geronimo/KBK, GMA News