By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The La Castellana Municipal Police Station in Negros Occidental is now conducting an investigation after 45 residents reported that they were scammed of their supposed admission to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The scammers, which allegedly included a town councilor, carted away at least P15 million in cash.

In a press conference last Friday, September 15, La Castellana Mayor Rhumyla Nicor Mangilimutan said the victims have filed separate complaints against Councilor Donato Dumaguit and a certain Mary Jun delos Santos of Bacolod City.

The victims claimed they were offered a “package deal” wherein they would be given eligibility to become PNP members in exchange for P300,000.

Mangilimutan said the victims were promised that their oath taking would take place on July 2 in Kabankalan City, after they paid an additional P25,000 fee for their lodging and uniforms.

The complainants filed the blotter report at a police station in Bacolod, but they were allegedly told by Dumaguit not to include his name in the complaint.

However, the Bacolod police advised the complainants to file complaints in La Castellana.

Town police chief, Major Nelson Amsiwen, said they are now gathering all of the complainants’ affidavits.

The police station is now conducting a deeper probe into the involved individuals.

He added that several active PNP members may also be involved in the scam.

Meanwhile, Mangilimutan denied any links to the scam, stating she does not tolerate such illegal acts even if her relatives or political allies commit it.

She added that in April of this year, she was already aware of reports of illegal recruitment in the town, especially those who wanted to join the PNP.

Mangilimutan immediately alerted the National Police Commission (Napolcom) after the incident.

The Napolcom later sent her the names of individuals who were allegedly scammed.

The mayor said most of the victims were children of employees in the municipal government.

She also confronted Dumaguit over the allegations, but the town councilor denied any involvement.

He even requested help from the mayor, asking her to convince the complainants not to include his name in the complaint.

However, the mayor refused to assist Dumaguit.

Mangilimutan served as a PNP officer, prior to becoming a government official.

She also requested Police Regional Office in Western Visayas director, Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Mangilimutan said the town councilor has been absent for two consecutive regular sessions already.

She explained that under the internal rules of the Sangguniang Bayan, any councilor who has been absent for three consecutive sessions can be subject to disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office spokesperson, Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, said there is no recruitment in the PNP.

Catalogo said if any person is interested in becoming a police officer, they should apply personally.

He added that applicants are required to undergo neuro-psychological tests and physical examinations before admission to the PNP.

Police applicants must also secure other requirements.

Catalogo said those involved in the scam may face charges of estafa, illegal recruitment and extortion./DGB, WDJ