NBI files estafa raps vs. Kapa founder, execs

Facing charges of five counts of violations of the Securities Regulations Code and eight counts of syndicated estafa are founder Pastor Joel Apolinario and 13 other officials of the group. (File Photo: Kapa Community Ministry International Inc./Facebook)

MANILA –The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday filed estafa charges against the founder and officials of the Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. (Kapa), a religious group allegedly involved in investment scams.

The NBI accompanied three complainants, who were Kapa investors, but their identities have been withheld.

The complainants include a female senior citizen from Dinagat Islands, who was duped of her retirement fund amounting PHP500,000; her 38-year-old son who invested PHP45,000; and a woman who invested PHP30,000.

The three are the first of Kapa’s 3 million members to formally file a complaint.

Facing charges of five counts of violations of the Securities Regulations Code and eight counts of syndicated estafa are founder Pastor Joel Apolinario and 13 other officials of the group.

Also named in the charges were the firm’s incorporators namely Nonita S. Urbano, Junnie G. Apolinario, Nelia V. Nino, Maria Pella B. Sevilla, Jaquelyn A. del Castillo, Cristobal R. Barabad, and Joji A. Jusay.

Corporate secretary Reyna L. Apolinario, director and treasurer Modie S. Dagala, and corporate directors Benigno D. Tipan Jr., Marnilyn M. Maturan, Ricky A. Taer, and Margie A. Danao.

In its report, the NBI said Kapa’s offices in Taytay, Rizal and Quezon City continued to transact with the public despite a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decision on April 3, 2019 revoking its certificate of registration.

On May 16, 2019, SEC’s Market and Securities Regulation Department also stated that it has not registered any securities and has no permit to sell securities.