Thirteen residents of Brgy. Poblacion, Pamplona , Negros Oriental, are mulling estafa charges against a 62-year-old businessman for allegedly duping them into joining a group identified with former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

The suspect who was arrested by the Pamplona Philippine National Police, near noon Saturday, was identified as Edgar Tenio, 62, married, of Oracio Subdivision, Banilad, Dumaguete City .

Investigation revealed the 13 complainants filed swindling charges against Tenio, for collecting from them P120 and P50 for registration and membership fees, respectively, without official receipts.

The money will be purportedly deposited in the business firm of the Friends of Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, known as the 24k Luneta Group Inc., police added.

The complainants said the suspect promised that they will receive P500,000 each this December for their livelihood project, but this turned out to be untrue.

The complainants were Cresencia Bayatan, Josephine Molero, Heyasmin Leal, Maribel Aguinid, Vitaliana Omatang, Manuel Suaco, Ursulita Villaflores, Elva Reyes, Iluminado Labe, Mary Jane Reyes, Bernardita Ricablanca, Andita Cuid, and Lilia Dio, all of Poblacion, Pamplona.

Probers said when they checked on the suspect, he failed to present pertinent legal documents Also confiscated from Tenio were 14 filled-up application forms for the “Marcos Loyalists” with ID pictures of the applicants, and P2,210 in different denominations stapled to each application.

The suspect was placed under the custody of Pamplona Police Station for investigation, but he was released after the lapse of the reglementary period for his detention.*RG

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