Arraignment of scam suspect set in Oro today

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Northern Mindanao and the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) drawn out plans and heightened security at the Hall of Justice for the scheduled arraignment of Jahcob “Coco” Rasuman today, Wednesday.

Rasuman, leader of NAD Auto Option Corporation, an investment firm allegedly behind a massive pyramiding scam in Lanao del Sur, will be arraigned in two courts for the syndicated estafa filed against him by more than 22 investors, whom his firm allegedly victimized.

He will be transported by the NBI Manila to Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday for his arraignment.

City Prosecutor Fidel Macauyag said he requested the NBI and Cocpo for security to ensure Rasuman’s safety.

“Hindi natin ma-guarantee ang safety ni Coco dahil alam naman natin an marami ang nagagalit na mga biktima, kaya mabuti nang makasiguro,” Macauyag said.

Rasuman and 11 others are facing syndicated estafa at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) branches 20 and 23 under Judges Bonifacio Macabaya and Vincent Rosales, respectively.

Acting Cocpo Police Director Graciano Mijares said they will meet with the NBI for the security plans for the arraignment of Rasuman.

As of August 21, a total of 323 claims against Rasuman amounting to nearly P1.13 billion were recorded. Other accused are still at large as of this posting Tuesday.