Pyramid scam brains dies in Bilibid

MANILA, Philippines — Jachob “Coco” Rasuman, who was sentenced to life in prison over a multibillion-peso pyramiding scam, died of a heart attack at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa on Sunday.

In a message to reporters yesterday, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) deputy director general for administration Gabriel Chaclag confirmed the death of Rasuman.

“He died of myocardial infarction at around noon on Sunday,” Chaclag said.

“The family has claimed the remains of Rasuman,” he added.

Rasuman was brought to the NBP Hospital where he succumbed to cardiac arrest, according to Chaclag. 

“The family appreciated the efforts of the BuCor personnel in trying to save him,” he said. 

Rasuman, 40, son of former public works undersecretary Bashir Dimaampo Rasuman, operated an investment scheme in Lanao del Sur that divested at least P247 million from hundreds of investors in the Philippines and Singapore. 

He was apprehended in Marawi in 2012 and flown to Manila on charges of syndicated estafa along with nine other accomplices.

A source, who asked not to be named, also confirmed Rasuman’s death.

The source said Rasuman did not contract COVID prior to his death.

The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the deaths of eight high-value Bilibid inmates who reportedly succumbed to COVID in 2020.