Manhunt for Rasumans intensified

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has intensified the manhunt for the other family members and relatives of alleged investment scam ring leader Jachob “Coco” Rasuman, who was arrested earlier in Mindanao.

Rasuman is detained at the NBI headquarters in Manila.

He is facing investigation for a multi-million peso investment scam in Mindanao similar to that of the Aman Futures Group.

“In so far as the other accused are concerned, referring to the father and other family members, and relatives of Rasuman, we are looking for them full blast,” NBI Director Nonnatus Caesar Rojas said.

“Other NBI units around the country are exerting efforts to locate and arrest the other suspects,” Rojas said.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed charges of syndicated estafa against Rasuman, his father former public works undersecretary Bashir Dimaampo Rasuman, Emma Amer Rasuman, Jeremiah Amer Rasuman, Jamirie Amer Rasuman, Jamila Rasuman Tomawis, Jalaima Rasuman Mangarin, Jerome Amer Rasuman, Bashir Rasuman Jr., Amer Tomawis, and Princess Allah Tomawis Rasuman.

Warrants of arrest have been issued against them.

‘Amalilio not a Malaysian’

Manuel Amalilio, owner of the Aman Futures Group Phils. Inc. tagged in billion-peso pyramiding scam, is a Filipino and not a Malaysian, the NBI chief said yesterday.

“He is a Filipino. He has a birth certificate and Philippine passport,” Rojas said.

Amalilio, 32, is reportedly claiming that he is Malaysian. Amalilio’s Malaysian name is Mohammad Suffian Saaid.

“It’s a matter of his defense, if he claims (he is a Malaysian). In so far as Philippine records are concerned, he is a Filipino,” said Rojas.

On the other hand, Rojas said Amalilio’s wife, Abegail Concellado Pendulas, a Malaysian, could still be hiding in the country since there was no record from the immigration bureau that she already left the Philippines.

“We have no record that she left the country. So we are also looking for her. The problem is there is no warrant issued for her arrest yet,” Rojas said.