KAPA founder in hiding, claims threats to life

KORONADAL CITY , Philippines  —  The founder of Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. (KAPA) has admitted he went into hiding, citing threats to his life.

In a video addressing KAPA members, which was also sent to The STAR, Joel Apolinario appealed for understanding for his absence, saying he needs to protect himself.

Apolinario and his wife Reyna have been missing since President Duterte ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to arrest KAPA officials tagged in an investment scam.

The couple were last seen on June 13 when they arrived in a helicopter at the Pedro Acharon Sports Complex in General Santos City to attend a prayer rally.

Apolinario also called on KAPA members to organize a “synchronized prayer rally” in areas where the group has  “fellowship centers.”  

“I am begging you please participate in this synchronized prayer rally... ipapakita po natin sa kanila na marami pong maapektuhan, lalung-lalo na po yung mga trabahante po sa ating mga businesses na kasalukuyang na-freeze na ang pinagkukunan po ng ating source para makapagbigay po tayo ng mga financial assistance sa lahat po ng mga miyembro,” he said in the video.

The Securities and Exchange Commission secured assets linked to KAPA valued at around P100 million based on a freeze order issued by the Court of Appeals. 

Apolinario said the freezing of KAPA’s assets and properties would affect its capability to provide “financial assistance” to millions of its members.

“Sa ngayon po wala tayong solusyon na makuha at makita maliban na lang po sa paglunsad po ng prayer rally. Sana po tayo ay dadalo sa lahat ng prayer rally na ilulunsad natin,” he said.

Mayors warned

As this developed, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a warning to local chief executives who would not revoke the business permits of KAPA.

“We can issue show cause orders. We can also charge them before the ombudsman and other courts for dereliction of duty,” DILG spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had earlier issued a memorandum calling on concerned mayors to revoke KAPA’s business permits to prevent more people from being duped into investing their money in a fraudulent scheme.

Malaya said a business permit could always be revoked if laws are violated.

He insists that the DILG has supervision over local government units. “Our authority under the Local Government Code is clear where we can direct the LGUs (local government units) to enforce the law,” Malaya said.    – With Emmanuel Tupas