OFFICIALS from Kapa-Community International Ministry, Inc. (Kapa) failed to show up on Friday in the Department of Justice’s(DoJ) first preliminary probe on the alleged Ponzi scam spearheaded by the organization on its members.
On Friday, Kapa founder and president Joel A. Apolinario and seven of his officials did not appear at the preliminary investigation on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) complaint against Kapa for engaging in an investment scheme that violates Republic Act No. 8799 or the Securities Regulations Code.
Kapa was supposed to file a counter affidavit before the DOJ panel of prosecutors, chaired by Assistant State Prosecutor Zenamar Machacon-Caparros, on Friday. Subpoenas had already been sent to all the accused to show up for Friday’s hearing.
Among those accused by the SEC are Mr. Apolinario and his wife and Corporate Secretary Reyna Apolinario, Kapa executives Margie A. Danao, Catherine Evangelista, Rene Catubigan, Marisol M. Diaz, Adelfa Fernandico, and Moises Mopia.
Justice Undersecretary Markk L. Perete said that the accused may show up in the next hearing.
“They have another opportunity on the 15th,” Mr. Perete said in a mobile message to BusinessWorld on Friday.
On June 17, the SEC filed a complaint against Kapa for luring the public to donate at least P10,000 to the organization with the promise that this would be returned with 30% interest monthly. On June 4, the SEC petitioned the Court of Appeals (CA) to freeze the assets of Kapa.
Earlier this week, Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 16 issued a precautionary hold departure order against the accused Kapa officials, barring them from leaving the country while the case is ongoing. — GMC
