Kapa founder had rags-to-riches story, fellow pastor says

Pastor Joel Apolinario, founder of the Kapa Community Ministry International, which has been characterized by the Securities and Exchange Commission and by President Rodrigo Duterte himself as nothing more than a ponzi scheme, had recounted to followers how he rose from humble beginnings to become an affluent businessman.

Pastor Raddy Umandac told GMA News TV program "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" how Apolinario spoke of his start in Bislig, Surigao del Sur, where his family was so poor that the Apolinario siblings had to be raised by relatives as his father could not support his family.

Apolinario eventually finished his schooling with the help of these relatives, and worked several jobs before "the almighty blessed his businesses."

However, SEC records show that Apolinario was so blessed just recently - from 2018 to 2019.

Records show that 10 businesses established during this period were owned by Reyna Apolinario, Joel's wife. These businesses included a fuel trading firm, printing services, fishing, garments, mining, and a bakeshop.

Meanwhile, a massive Kapa property in Alabel, Sarangani was being developed. Kapa logbooks also listed daily transactions valued in the hundreds of thousands of pesos.

Government investigators meanwhile found an expensive bullet-proof SUV in Apolinario's home in General Santos City.

Records show that Apolinario's wife owned 10 such luxury vehicles, all of which were purchased between 2018 and 2019.

Not satisfied with being earth-bound, Apolinario is also known to arrive at Kapa gatherings in a helicopter -  an entrance much appreciated by his followers. — DVM, GMA News