By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The primary person of interest in the police recruitment scam in Negros Occidental’s La Castellana town has allegedly used other law enforcement government agencies to victimize applicants.

One of the 47 scam victims, a 24-year-old female, appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation in Bacolod City yesterday morning to file a formal complaint against Mary Jun delos Santos.

The victim, who has requested not to be named, claimed that she got to know Delos Santos through La Castellana councilor Donato Dumaguit, who allegedly offered her assistance for admission to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The victim recounted that she was repeatedly contacted by the alleged recruiter, claiming that she needed to pay a P121,000 down payment.

She made the transaction last June.

She said Delos Santos was accompanied by a police officer during the transaction, saying she also has connections with the Philippine National Police.

However, the victim said Delos Santos and Dumaguit told her that she would deny the claims if she was asked about it.

They would be entered instead to other law enforcement agencies such as Bureau of Fire Protection, the PCG and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Watchmen Daily Journal has tried to reach the Coast Guard District-Western Visayas, but they have yet to give a response as of press time.

Meanwhile, Atty. Joseph Celis, National Police Commission in Western Visayas regional director, said they will deploy their personnel to Negros Occidental to investigate the scam.

Celis said the institution’s reputation has been affected./DGB, WDJ