Raps readied vs. 13 in failed GenSan investment scheme

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Police are set to file large-scale estafa charges against 13 employees of a financial consulting company here that allegedly duped residents to invest money in a fraudulent scheme.

MSgt. Jose Don Lagdamen, case investigator of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Region 12, said Tuesday that the respondents are personnel of FMX Financial Consultancy Services in Barangay Lagao here.

Lagdamen said several FMX investors have already filed their complaints, alleging the company failed to deliver on their promised return for their investments.

“They (FMX employees) solicited investments from the public and promised returns that never materialized,” he said in an interview.

Lagdamen said CIDG is also in the process to determine other personalities involved in the scheme.

A report released by CIDG-12 identified the 13 staff members as Cherry Ann Restauro, Shiela Mae

Mamanag, Mary Grace Gontiñas, Charon Lyn Canino, Jelsa Patagani, Bonnie Bonifacio, Gelli Diagbel, Juliet Gacita, King Alhon Lopez, Ralph Nather Gomez, Christian Em Canindo, Kian Pendatun, and Roger Sulilap.

One of the alleged victims, an alias Juni, said in an interview that he invested P100,000 into the agency and was supposed to receive a brand-new pickup truck after four months.

Under the FMX investment scheme, Juni said the payment for the promised vehicle would be deducted from a portion of his monthly payout.

Juni said he and the other investors trusted the company as it was able to present pertinent business permits and other related documents.

“I never thought that it will end up a scam,” he said.

He added the company issued a notice last week that it has no available funds after one of its agents allegedly took off with the money.