Ermita ‘kotong’ syndicate financiers caught

Police officers from the Manila Police District (MPD)’s District Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (DAOCTF) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) have scored initial victory in the war against “kotong” syndicates with the arrest of two suspected financiers who shortchanged a Korean tourist of P20,000.

CIDU chief Superintendent Edgar Wycoco said Luzviminda Paradero, alias “Dadang,” 42; and Prescila Mariano, alias “Precy,” 48, are just two of the alleged financiers listed in their order of battle.

DAOCTF chief Superintendent Ernesto Tendero Jr. said the arrest of Paradero and Mariano, who were charged with estafa, had virtually crippled the syndicate’s operation.

CIDU operatives led by SPO4 Fernando Cantillas were conducting surveillance operations against the syndicate in Ermita, Manila Friday afternoon when they were approached by a Korean tourist who reported that he was shortchanged by P20,000 at a money exchange shop along Sta. Monica street.

According to Kong Wan Mo, 50, he exchanged his $1,000 at a higher exchange peso rate being offered by two women at P42. However, when he later counted the money it was short by P20,000. Police immediately arrested the two women, later identified as Paradero and Mariano. The two suspects returned the full amount to the Korean tourist.

Paradero and Mariano admitted having been in their illegal business for many years, and confirmed reports that they give protection money to unscrupulous MPD officials. However, they refused to name their police protectors.

Wycoco and Tendero told The STAR that they are now verifying the syndicate’s alleged links to police officers.

MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said he wants “kotong” syndicates neutralized, not only in Ermita but in the whole of Manila, particularly Escolta, Recto, Quiapo and Divisoria.           – Nestor Etolle