By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Fifteen individuals, including the leader of the “Royal Kingdom of Maharlika,” are facing criminal charges after their arrest over alleged fraudulent investment activities in Laguna.
The suspects were apprehended during a gathering in Santa Rosa City on March 28, Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) chief Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta said in a press briefing Wednesday.
Asueta said the 60-year-old leader, identified only as “Supremo,” had been under surveillance for allegedly luring hundreds into an unregistered online investment scheme promising financial returns and lifetime benefits.
“We were following him even on Facebook,” he said.
The operation stemmed from intelligence reports about an organized group engaged in online scam activities. Police conducted cyber patrol operations to validate the information and support the investigation.
Investigators found the group used various online platforms to recruit members, offering “Yellow Cards” and “Green Cards” priced from PHP150 to PHP5,500. Victims were enticed to invest in exchange for supposed future financial gains.
The operation was bolstered by a complaint from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), following reports that victims — including elderly individuals and members of Indigenous communities — were misled into believing they would receive a share of supposed hidden wealth granted to “Supremo.”
“We haven’t been able to account for the amount of money he collected but there are many groups [that were victimized] in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Asueta said.
He said “Supremo” attracted investors through persuasive communication, promising land and wealth once he is crowned king.
“We pursued this operation because we believe that if it is not disrupted, many more will become members,” Asueta said. (PNA)
