Kapa Ministry founder Joel Apolinario arrested, 1 dead in raid

The fugitive founder of Kapa Community Ministry International, Joel Apolinario, was arrested Tuesday, July 21, in Lingig, Surigao del Sur after a year of evading arrest for large scale estafa through a ponzi scheme.

In a spot report filed by PNP-Caraga Region, joint elements of the Regional Special Operations Group, Special Action Force, Regional Public Safety Battalion, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Lingig town local police and the Philippine coastguard conducted a 7 am raid at an unnamed resort in Barangay Handayaman.

Police served a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Gil Bollozos of Regional Trial Court Branch 21, Cagayan de Oro, for syndicated estafa with no bail recommended.

Another search warrant was issued by Judge Cayalina Shineta Tare-Palacio with Search Warrant number 2020-04 for violation of Republic Act 9516 – the law on illegal or unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition, or disposition of firearms, ammunition or explosives; and RA 10591, or the comprehensive firearms and ammunition regulation act.

The police arrested Apolinario and 23 male companions and confiscated the following:

• 30 M16 rifle units
• 2 M4 units
• 1 Garand rifle
• 3 .60 caliber machine guns
• 1 .50 caliber sniper rifle
• 3 .22 caliber rifles
• 1 carbine
• 1 shotgun
• 2 RPG rifles
• 5 .45 caliber pistols
• 2 rocket propelled grenades
• Several rounds of ammunition of different calibers

1 dead in raid

The police killed an unidentified male after he fired on the raiding team.

A Melecio Siabo was also wounded during the raid and was brought to Bislig City Hospital for treatment.

In February this year, the Bislig City Regional Trial Court in Surigao del Sur also ordered the arrest of Kapa-Community Ministry International’s founder, key officers, and promoters for the investment fraud charges lodged by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). (EXPLAINER: How Kapa Ministry took advantage of investors)

The court’s order, released on Tuesday, February 11, directed the arrest of Kapa’s founder and President Joel Apolinario, trustee Margie Danao, and corporate secretary Reyna Apolinario.

Kapa promoters Marisol Diaz, Adelfa Fernandico, Moises Mopia, and Reniones Catubigan were also ordered arrested.

The department of justice has accused Kapa Ministry of “willfully, unlawfully, and criminally selling” securities in the Philippines without the necessary documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). – Rappler.com