18 held for ayuda scam in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines — Eighteen persons were arrested in Pasig City on Thursday for allegedly profiteering from the national government’s ayuda or lockdown assistance to low-income families.

Police arrested the suspects at a covered court that serves as a distribution center in Barangay Kalawaan at around 3:30 p.m.

Mayor Vico Sotto said the scam involves a fixer who would hand out forms to fake  beneficiaries. Two validators would approve the release of the financial assistance to the unqualified recipients.

The fake beneficiary receives P1,000 while the fixers and validators get P3,000.

Sotto vowed to hold the suspects and their other cohorts accountable for stealing money from the government.

Two of the suspects are cash assistance evaluators Ada Garde, 38, and Ana Lyn Balasabas, 32, according to Pasig police chief Col. Roman Arugay. Also apprehended was the alleged fixer, Teresa Lignes, 35.

The fake beneficiaries who were taken into custody were Raymart Javier, 21; John Dale Barredo, 19; Rommel Obispo, 24; Jay Almer Lalosa, 30; Rhajz Rodem Tolentino, 22; Jayve Amoranto, 26; Joel Hernandez, 37; Anna Alizza Andres, 31; Raffy Valdez, 29; Teodulo Sta. Ana, 61; Rusty Beltran, 21; Mary Jane Ortiguerra, 38; Amie Ordonia, 40; Edgardo
Balawang Jr., 28, and Derrick Quario, 42.

Four of the fake beneficiaries are from Rizal province while three are residents of Marikina. The rest are from Pasig.

Apart from the cash aid, Arugay said the suspects also received food packs from the local government.

The suspects were brought to the police station for investigation.