De Lima: Aman Futures leader a high-risk prisoner

(UPDATED) Manuel Amalilio, the alleged brains behind a multibillion peso investment scam that duped some 15,000 people, will be considered a high-risk detainee upon his return to the country because of expected deluge of angry investors who want to get after him.

Malacañang, however, assured that authorities will provide tight security for Amalilio, who is facing strings of syndicated estafa cases before a court in Mindanao.

"We consider him as a high-risk prisoner in the sense that a lot of investors lost their money. He (Amalilio) would know exactly who these investors are because based on the probe by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), influential people in Zamboanga, not just in Pagadian City, were also affected," said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, adding the NBI will have to beef up its security on Amalilio.

Amalilio, who was arrested for fake Malaysian passport and other identification documents, is set to be turned over a four-man NBI team and flown to Manila Friday. He is scheduled to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 7:45 p.m.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya earlier assured that there will be no delay in Amalilio's arrival in Manila.

After arriving in Manila, he will join his co-accused in the multi-million peso syndicated estafa case lodged before the Pagadian City Regional Trial Court branch 20 at the NBI detention facility. The warrant of arrest will also be served on him.

Amalilio and other officials of Aman Futures are facing syndicated estafa cases for defrauding thousands of investors in Visayas and Mindanao for estimated amount of P12 million.

"Amalilio's co-accused had already filed a motion not to be transferred to a detention facility in Pagadian, understandably because of security concern. The NBI is just waiting for the court's resolution on the motion. In fact, our prosecutor did not oppose because they seemed to have provided a valid reason," de Lima said. (Virgil Lopez/Jill Beltran/Sunnex)