3 nabbed for using Pacquiao's name in soliciting donations

MANILA, Philippines - Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested this week two Americans and a Filipina for alleged swindling and estafa at the office of boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao at the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City.

Pacquiao was present when the suspects were arrested in his office at the fourth floor of the South Wing Annex at around 5 p.m. last Wednesday.

Lawyer Jeng Gacal, Pacquiao’s chief of staff, identified the suspects as Tony Muso, 46, of Pennsylvania; Eduard Gutierrez, 47, of Puerto Rican descent; and Nora Llaniges, who said she is a Filipino-American.

Lawyer Eric Nuqui, who led the NBI team, said the suspects appeared to be involved in swindling activities.

Pacquiao told reporters the group had been using his name to solicit donations from various firms for purported anti-dengue and anti-malaria campaigns in the Philippines.

The three suspects, however, pointed to Gacal, who they alleged asked for P20 million for them to have a chance to talk to Pacquiao.

Pacquiao, however, said his staff already previously investigated the group shortly after the three approached him during his training in Baguio City for his fight against Mexican Antonio Margarito, for a purported medical program.

He said the three uses the website ACtRx.Org.conduit for donations. The website posted a photograph of Pacquiao and Margarito with the title “Donate now. Help Manny Pacquiao knock out malaria and dengue in the Philippines and the rest of the world.”

The website claimed that Pacquiao is one of the founders of the Partners Against Malaria Foundation. The boxer, however, denied having allowed his name to be used by such a venture.

Muso denied the accusations and said he was involved in a legitimate anti-malaria campaign. He said he is married to a Filipina and they live in Cebu.

Gutierrez claimed their foundation is based in Makati City but he could not give their office’s exact address.

“We came to help this country and those who are dying of malaria and dengue. Our product is a very effective product that is saving life worldwide and this is the reason why we are here,” Gutierrez said.

Llaniges said they actually had spoken with Pacquiao several times in the past and came to his office to seek his help in endorsing their foundation.