NBI nabs suspect in P1-B investment scam

MANILA, Philippines - One of the alleged brains of a P1-billion investment scam in the province of Batangas was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) last week.

Anna Fatima Pedernal of Agripoint Enterprises was nabbed in Baguio on June 8 by members of the NBI’s anti-organized crime division (AOCD).

Pedernal declined to talk about the case, saying her lawyer would represent her.

“I don’t know if I’m allowed to make statements because I have a counsel. I think that’s private, my counsel can respond to all of your questions,” Pedernal told reporters.

The arrest stemmed from a warrant issued by a Laguna court two years ago.

Agripoint Enterprises, which promises easy and fast money, was formed by Pedernal and her husband Vince.

The couple allegedly claimed that they are the country’s largest importer of plastic resin from China.

Vince, also a subject of the warrant, evaded arrest.

The NBI said the Pedernals’ scheme involved luring possible investors.

Their victims, called investors, are mostly from Padre Garcia, Batangas.

They were promised eight to 10 percent interest within 20 days for the capital they put in the company.

Believing the couple’s promises, the victims would then recruit their own relatives.

But there were no deliverables, the NBI said.

One of their victims allegedly lost P50 million.

This is the second time that Pedernal was arrested. The NBI-AOCD said the couple had previously been arrested but for estafa charges only, which is a bailable case.

Meanwhile, the syndicated estafa case, which the couple was slapped with before a Laguna court, is a non-bailable offense.