Donors to Duterte: Let Kapa operate anew, please

CEBU, Philippines — Member-donors of the controversial investment group, Kapa (Kabus Padatuon)-Community Ministry International, Inc., are appealing to President Rodrigo Duterte to allow the group to resume operations.

The members trooped to Plaza Independencia yesterday for a prayer rally.

The rally was aimed at calling on the government to allow Kapa to operate again so that it can help its members once more.

“We are hoping that our pleas to reopen the investment firm will be heard,” the members said.

They said Kapa has not only helped the poor, but also promoted a “harmonious life.”

A member, who is taking care of her sick mother, said they were able to buy the latter’s maintenance medicines with the help of Kapa.

Government regulators have clamped down on Kapa after Duterte put the spotlight on the group’s investment scheme, which promises a 30 percent per month interest to its members.

Kapa, short for Kabus Padatuon or Enrich the Poor in a local language, was registered as an independent religious group in 2017, with headquarters in the southern city of Bislig in Surigao del Sur. 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) earlier said it has secured more than P100 million worth of assets linked to Kapa under a freeze order issued by the Court of Appeals.

Besides bank deposits, the freeze order also covers insurance policies, cryptocurrency holdings and other assets, the SEC said. 

The SEC said Kapa may have amassed as much as P50 billion by enticing members to give "donations" of P10,000 and up on promises of getting a 30 percent per month interest. 

On the other hand, the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas will exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with the protesters.

As long as Kapa members hold rallies at freedom parks and not cause traffic disruption, Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas, PRO-7 director, said they will not be asked to disperse.

“They are allowed to air their grievances. We will tolerate them as long as they will not cause chaos or disturbance,” he said. 

Moreover, the regional director said he has yet to talk to two PRO-7 personnel who were photographed “donating” to Kapa. 

Sinas said cops are barred from investing to any pyramiding firm, citing a memorandum circular issued in 2013.

“They will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

Earlier, 12 cops in Bohol admitted to joining investment “scams,” including the ADA Farm Agri-Ventures.  

With Ada Farm, investors would buy one chick for P500. In return, the investor would get P1,800 for every chick bought after two months. — CNU Intern Zesusita C.Belarmino/KBQ (FREEMAN)