Probe starts for new estafa case vs Rasuman

THE special panel of prosecutors is set to conduct Friday a preliminary investigation on another syndicated estafa case filed by a new set of complainants against Jachob “Coco” Rasuman, leader of the NAD 21 Auto Options P300-million investment scam, and his group.

City Prosecutor Fidel Macauyag said Thursday that the syndicated estafa case was filed by more than 10 complainants.

“Pero hindi darating si Coco because his presence is not necessarily needed dahil preliminary lang naman but siguradong darating ang mga complainants,” Macauyag told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

He said, however, that he has no idea on the venue of the preliminary investigation.

Coco and his group are facing three cases of syndicated estafa before Regional Trial Court Branch 20 under Judge Bonifacio Macabaya.

Regional State Prosecutor Jaime Umpa said the special panel of prosecutors already arrived in the city Thursday afternoon.

Aside from the preliminary investigation, the government prosecutors will also hear the motion for reconsideration filed by Umpa in connection with the dismissal of the two syndicated estafa cases against Sultan Yahya “Jerry” Tomawis, Coco’s father-in-law who is also one of the respondents.

“Dalawang hearing ang gagawin ngayon, una `yung sa motion and then ang preliminary investigation,” Umpa said.

On January 29, an arraignment for Coco was scheduled in Cagayan de Oro but was reset to February 8 and was later deferred due to pending several motions filed by the respondents through their lawyers. (Annabelle L. Ricalde)