Two persons of interest who were caught on video using the credit cards of a Taguig businessman and his wife are under police custody, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said yesterday.
CIDG National Capital Region field unit chief Lt. Col. John Guiagui said the two, a man and a woman, surrendered after seeing their faces in news reports.
Guiagui did not name them, but said that the two were the subjects of a follow-up operation in Manila following the disappearance of the couple and their business partner in July.
He said the two used the credit cards of spouses Henry Angelo and Margie Pantollana at two malls in Quezon City and Cavite. The couple and business associate Richard Cadiz were last seen in a sport utility vehicle on July 6.
According to Guiagui, the two claimed they bought the credit cards from a man in Quezon City. The cards were used in the purchase of over 50 cell phone products from a coffee shop.
He said the CIDG is preparing charges for violation of Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act.
‘I just don’t believe that the credit cards randomly landed in their hands,’ Guiagui said, adding that the CIDG is investigating the extent of their participation in the couple’s disappearance.
Initial investigation showed that the Pantollanas, along with Cadiz, left Bonifacio Global City in Taguig for a business transaction with a man identified only as Jeff.
Guiagui said Jeff had submitted a sworn statement to the CIDG. Jeff allegedly told investigators that he met the victims on July 6 at his condominium in Pasig.
Jeff claimed Henry became agitated when a person called him on his phone and that the couple and Cadiz left after their meeting – an allegation that the CIDG is also investigating.