Pyramid scam suspect falls

LUCENA CITY, Philippines – One of the principal suspects in a P1.4-billion investment scam has been arrested in this city.

Gerald Joseph Morillo, 42, was collared on Friday at his house in Barangay Kanlurang Mayao based on a warrant issued by Lucena City Municipal Trial Circuit Court Branch 2 Judge Joselito Tamaray.

Chief Inspector Arvin Fabro, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Quezon, said Morillo tried to escape, but CIDG agents subdued him.

Morillo and his wife Jenellie and 13 other officials of the South Luzon Multipurpose Cooperative have been charged with multiple counts of estafa, economic sabotage and swindling by the Lucena City police.

The suspects allegedly amassed P1.4 billion from government employees, teachers, jeepney and tricycle drivers, police officers, soldiers as well as members of the Iglesia ni Cristo in this city and neighboring towns and provinces.