Four women accused of estafa were taken into police custody in Mangaldan, Pangasinan after allegedly failing to pay for sacks of rice they obtained on credit from a supplier, police said.

Three of the women surrendered voluntarily to authorities on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, while the fourth suspect was arrested morning on Thursday, July 2.

Police said the group allegedly failed to pay for the rice for more than a year despite efforts to settle the matter at the barangay level.

Mangaldan police chief PLt. Col. Perlito Tuayon said the women did not honor the agreement reached during mediation.

“Pinautang po sila at 'yun nga no'ng bayaran na, hindi sila nakabayad. Nagkaroon ng pag-uusap sa barangay, may settlement dapat pero hindi po sila tumupad sa mga usapan,” he said.

According to police, the four women know each other and allegedly borrowed nearly 50 sacks of rice worth around P55,000 from a single supplier.

Authorities said the suspects also sold the rice they obtained on credit.

Tuayon said the women have since blamed one another over the unpaid debt.

“Hindi po sila nagkakasundo ngayon at nagsisisihan po sila kaya may mga situation na hindi nila nare-receive 'yung notices, pero talagang hindi sila tumupad sa bayaran,” he said.

The GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon sought comments from the four women, but three declined to be interviewed. The fourth suspect was taken to a hospital for medical examination.

Tuayon also said the group's guarantor claimed the women had previous unpaid obligations.

“According po sa aming interview, may mga previously rin po na hindi sila binayaran. So, may mga record na po sila at 'yun po 'yung kuwento ng nag-guarantor sa kanila,” he said.