Estafa, carnapping suspect arrested after spotted in online live selling

A man wanted for estafa and carnapping was arrested after he was recognized by authorities in an online live-selling video. 

According to Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the informant identified the suspect via the live video through the shape of his face and tattoo on the arm. 

“Siya ay naka-face mask, naka-sumbrero, at naka salamin na hindi typikal sa paningin ng ating mga kababayan kapag sila ay nagbebenta o nagla-live selling,” said Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group spokesperson Police Lt. Nadame Malang.

(He was wearing a face mask, a ballcap, and a pair of sunglasses on, which are not a typical appearance for those doing live sellings.) 

Authorities were able to trace the location of the live selling at Lubao, Pampanga, which also led to the arrest of the suspect. 

The PNP-HPG said the suspect was charged for estafa for fraudulent selling of anime figurines worth P800,000 to P900,000. 

One of the alleged victims, who is now based in Australia, shared photos with GMA Integrated News that will prove his transactions with the suspect. 

“Nangako po siya na babayaran ako through post dated checks, so nag-isyu po siya ng anim na post dated checks sa akin. Unfortunately po, lahat po ‘yun tumalbog,” he said. 

(He promised that he would pay me through post dated checks which he did by issuing six. Unfortunately, all of them bounced.) 

“Tinaguan na po kami, hindi na po siya totally nagre-reply sa mga messages ko,” the victim said, adding that there are 40 other victims. 

(He hid from us and he was not totally replying to my messages.) 

The PNP-HPG called on the other victims to coordinate with them. 

Meanwhile, the suspect said he has already talked with the complainant. 

“Nakausap ko na rin po yung complainant at okay naman na po. So yun ang sabi ng abogado ko, aasikasuhin namin ang lahat, matatapos lahat ito, at maayos lahat,” he said. 

(I've already spoken to the complainant, and it's all good now. So that's what my lawyer said - we'll take care of everything, all of this will be resolved, and everything will be settled.) 

But the victim said: “I’m open to negotiations pero kung wala, dapat magdusa ka sa mga ginawa mong kasalanan lalo na sa akin, para po kasi sa anak ko ‘yun…kaso Sir, tinakbuhan ako eh.”

(I'm open to negotiations, but if not, you should suffer for the mistakes you've committed, especially against me, because that was for my child... but sir, he ran from me.) 

“Hindi ko po alam na may isyu na pala si … before that nalulong na [raw po] siya sa sugal,” he added. 

(I wasn't aware that he already had an issue and that before he was said to be addicted to gambling.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News