ALFONSO LISTA, ifugao – Three pastors of a local congregation here are now facing syndicated estafa charges after they allegedly took the money of eleven of their members amounting to seven hnundred sixty five thousand pesos with a promised high interest in return.
Senior Superintendent Constancio Chinayog, Jr., officer-in-charge of the Ifugao Provincial Police Office, identified the suspects as Lucio Carlos, Alex Zaragoza and Hazel Zaragoza, all pastors of the bible Baptist Church based in the municipality.
The syndicated esfata charges against the suspect were upon the complaints of Aida Francisco Delacruz, 49; Maria Peddiao Lamag, 24; Teresa Runsang Cutaran, 45; Susan Peddiao Baguan, 28; Ginovina Ohomna Laranang; 26, Joy Nasdoman Miranda; Jen-Jen Baguan Alubia, 33; Minda Mateo Peddiao, 23; Antonia Maingi Ohomna, 55; Sonia Ohomna, Soliven 24; Francis Bongtot Ohomna, 53; all married, farmers and residents of Busilac, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao.
Initial police investigation showed that the suspects took from their willing victims a total of P765,000 last year with a promised high return of investment by December 2015, however, their money were not returned to them as of press time that prompted them to file the complaints against the religious leaders.
The cases are now ready for referral to the Ifugao provincial prosecutor’s office for proper disposition.
By Dexter A. See