CEBU CITY – Police here are closely monitoring Kapa-Community Ministry International Inc., a religious group that is reportedly enticing government workers with “too good to be true” investment schemes.
Police said Kapa has already recruited at least 10,000 investors since it opened an office in Compostela town, northern Cebu last May.
“We received an order from Camp Crame to closely monitor Kapa especially that the Security and Exchange Commission has issued cease and desist order against it,” said Police Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7).
Kapa is reportedly recruiting government workers and contractual employees of private companies.
Sinas said some personnel of the Bureau and Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology have invested in Kapa.
Kapa is reportedly offering a “double your money” scheme to entice investors.
Sinas said despite reports that Kapa is an investment scam, no complainants have showed up yet.
The PRO 7 chief is prohibiting policemen in Central Visayas from investing in Kapa.
“I will automatically relieve those policemen caught investing in Kapa because what if it will be proven that it is a scam? They are armed and what will happen if they fall victims and confront the people behind Kapa? It’s very dangerous,” said Sinas.
Last Saturday, police arrested the two security guards of Kapa in Compostela after they failed to show documents authorizing them to carry firearms.
Arrested were Dexter Cuyos, 24, and Robert Padayogdog, 31.
Seized from the two guards, who also failed to present license cards, were a 9mm caliber pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun.
Police said the Kapa office in Compostela is managed by certain Benju Barreto.
The office opened in May 9 but was shut down by police and local officials last May 29 for operating without business and mayor’s permits.
The next day, workers of Kapa removed the closure order pasted on its office and continued operating.
Compostela Mayor Joel Quino has filed charges against Barreto for defying the closure order. (Calvin Cordova)