NBI files estafa against travel agency operator

The National Bureau of Investigation has charged a travel agency operator with estafa for her alleged estafa that victimized several people who wished to travel abroad.

Luisa Pido Ditan, manager of Cebu Rite Travel International, Inc., was charged for violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña requested the NBI to look into the complaints of couple Vicente and Maria Vae Saavedra, and Jerome Holasca, all of Bayanihan, Sanjercasvil, Lahug, who sought his assistance after allegedly being swindled by Ditan.

Based on the investigation, the Saavedra couple bought airline tickets for the United States from Ditan's agency on November 14, 2005. Their travel companion, Holasca, also bought his ticket from the same agency.

After paying P205,932 for three tickets, Ditan issued an electronic tickets to them for a Continental Airlines flight, which is scheduled to depart on November 18, 2005. However, Ditan allegedly changed the schedule twice to November 22 and 25.

The complainants said that while they were already at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on the scheduled departure date, they learned that their bookings have been cancelled by the airline due to the alleged non-payment of their tickets by the agency.

The victims said they tried to demand refunds for their money but the suspect could no longer be located at her address on the second floor of a mall in Lahug.

The NBI is also expected to file more charges against Ditan in the coming days because more victims have also sought their assistance. Supervising Agent Rennan Oliva said that two more Ditan's alleged victims have filed their complaint last Friday. - Fred P. Languido