Trader arrested for estafa

Police arrested over the weekend a trader for defrauding a fish dealer from Navotas of P480,000 worth of fingerlings two years ago.

Cesar Ramirez, 49, a native of Sarangani Province and residing at 12H Tower 1, Robinson’s Place, Padre Faura, did not resist arrest when nabbed by elements of the Regional Intelligence and Special Operations Office (RISOO) at a hotel in Manila

RISOO Chief Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr. said his men were armed with an arrest warrant issued by Judge Benjamin Antonio, of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 170 when they cornered Ramirez at the coffee shop of the hotel.

Antonio recommended a P60,000 bail for Ramirez.

Court records showed that Ramirez convinced complainant, Ricardo Quiambao, to partner with him in a business venture involving bangus (milkfish) fingerlings in February 2004.

Quiambao gave Ramirez P480,000 to start the business. However, Ramirez reportedly spent the money for personal needs.

Quiambao filed estafa charges against Ramirez.

Ramos said Quiambao requested for police assistance to effect the arrest of Ramirez following the issuance of a warrant against him.

At least seven other complainants were running after Ramirez but none had secured an arrest warrant like Quiambao, said Ramos. — Non Alquitran