MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) put 15 officials of the embattled Kapa ministry on immigration lookout following the freezing of its assets over what the government calls the worst investment scam in recent history.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said on Friday, June 14, that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) has been issued against Kapa founder Pastor Joel Apolinario and 14 others.

An ILBO does not prevent its subjects from leaving the country, instead it sets up a mechanism so authorities are alerted when they leave the country.

The subjects of the ILBOs are:

Kapa Incorporators:

1. Joel A. Apolinario
2. Nonita S. Urbano
3. Junnie G. Apolinario
4. Nelia V. Nino
5. Maria Pellea B. Sevilla
6. Jouelyn A. Del Castillo
7. Cristobal R. Barabad
8. Joji A. Jusay

Kapa Officers:

1. Reyna L. Apolinario
2. Modie S. Dagala
3. Benigno D. Tipan Jr
4. Marnilyn M. Maturan
5. Ricky A. Taer
6. Joji A. Tusay
7. Margie A. Danao

The Court of Appeals has frozen the assets of Kapa on the petition of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

The commission found Kapa to be recruiting members to donate a minimum amount of P10,000 in exchange for a 30% monthly return for life.

President Rodrigo Duterte has made a public call to close down the ministry, despite a massive protest from its member-donors in Duterte’s home island of Mindanao.

Member-donors continue to believe in the financial rewards of Kapa while also acknowledging the risks of the scheme, calling it their only choice.

Duterte has also made a public call to arrest Kapa officials.

Just recently, government agents arrested an owner of a dialysis center without a warrant following a similar call from Duterte.

And before that, the government arrested a webmaster without a warrant over the spread of Bikoy videos which were damaging to the first family. 

Lawyers have expressed concern over the shortcuts that the government has taken to arrest and prosecute accused individuals in high-profile cases. – Rappler.com