TF Aman recovers investment scam data bank

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is now processing the hard disks, which could give them more pieces of evidence against the investment scam  of the Aman Futures Group of the Philippines Inc.,  an official said.

Task Force Aman, commander Senior Superintendent Edgar Danao, regional chief of the CIDG, said the two hard disks were parts of the two personal computer units of the Aman Group that were surrendered to them.

“We are now processing the hard disks to recover all possible data as [pieces of evidence] on the operations of the Aman Futures. We have the capability of cyber forensics here,” Danao said.

He said even if some of the data have been deleted their cyber forensic experts can still recover them.

Danao said the computer units of the Aman Futures were surrendered to them along with several other pieces of evidence, including nine check books of the Aman Futures, by Pagadian City residents last Saturday.

Eight of the nine check books were issued by PS Bank  to Fernando Luna alias Nonoy, while 1 RCBC check book was in the name of the Aman Futures Group Philippines Inc.

The CIDG, which is the lead investigating body of the Task Force Aman, has already filed complaints against 84 respondents, including Manuel Amalilio, the chairman of the Aman Futures,  and Luna, Amalilio's righthand man in Pagadian City.

Danao said among the respondents are civilian incorporators, agents, sub-agents, 10 police officers, three firemen, and two jail officers, who are all based in Pagadian City.

The CIDG director said they will be coordinating with the branches of banks in Pagadian in tracking down the investment scam transactions.

“Kasi may checks so ibig sabihin may business transactions na naganap,” Danao said.

The security agency that was hired will be summoned to submit the list of security assigned with the Aman Futures at the height of its operations to help them identify those respondents in the case that played a major role in the investment.

He said Task Force Aman was also verifying information of alleged involvement of some personnel of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) in the escape of Luna and other individuals involved in the investment scam.

“Witnesses were also invited to help pinpoint the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, local government units and local government agency and civilians who played a major role,” Danao added.