Noted "swindler" Charged

CEBU, Philippines - A case of estafa was filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office against an alleged noted swindler who was arrested a week ago after he was sighted by one of his victims in Barangay Buhisan, Cebu City.

Police said at least five persons have positively identified Kit Villanueva, 27, a resident of Barangay Sawang Calero as the one who victimized them in separate incidents.

Villanueva’s latest victim, Vannessa Tormis, a resident of Barangay Pasil, asked assistance from Punta Princesa police after she sighted Villanueva near a store in Barangay Buhisan.

Tormis said the accused lured her to buy an alleged cheaper central processing unit (CPU) of a computer for P12,800.

According to her, Villanueva promised to give her the unit the next day if she gives him cash but days have passed and he did not show up making her worry.

But days after, Tormis sighted Villanueva in Buhisan, prompting her to seek assistance from the police for his arrest.

SPO4 Reynaldo Orogenes of Tabo-an Police Station said Villanueva was turned over to them right after he was arrested by the personnel of Punta Princesa Police Station.

“Diri man siya sige’g ka-blotter sa among estasyon, diri namo siya i-detain,” Orogenes said.

Two days after Villanueva’s arrest, four of his other alleged victims came to Tabo-an Police Station and identified him as the one who swindled them a total of more or less P50,000. (FREEMAN)