Pagadian mayor’s detention place up to court

MANILA, Philippines - The Iligan City regional trial court will determine where to detain former Pagadian City mayor Samuel Co and his wife Priscilla Ann while they are facing trial in connection with the P12-billion Aman Futures investment scam.

The Cos were booked at the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday. They are detained at the NBI pending a commitment order from the court.

They were arrested at Ashton II Serendra in Makati last Saturday.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the couple will   be presented to the court that issued the warrants for their arrest.

The NBI will present them in court for the return of the arrest warrants, she added. However, Co and his wife almost evaded arrest. NBI agents would have left after staking out Ashton II Serendra from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. last Saturday.

Suddenly, the hazard lights of a flashy car parked in front of them started to blink. Then the elevator doors of the basement parking opened and Co and his wife came out.

The agents exclaimed: “That’s them.” 

Ruel Lasala, NBI deputy director for special investigative services, said his men had to pretend they were buying a condominium unit to get in.

The NBI received a tip on Dec. 1 that the Co couple were in Ashton, he added. 

The Cos went into hiding last April after the Lanao del Norte court ordered their arrest for syndicated estafa.

They were accused of acting as agents for alleged scam brains Manuel Amalilio. 

In Pagadian City, residents said the arrest of Co and his wife would shed light on who was orchestrating the case against the couple.

They said Co was just helping the victims of the scam so they would be paid. –  Edu Punay, Aie Balagtas See, Roel Pareño