ALABEL, Sarangani Province — Authorities from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Sarangani successfully arrested seven alleged scammers in an entrapment operation conducted in Purok Malakas, Poblacion, Alabel on November 11, 2025, around 5:50 p.m.
According to CIDG-Sarangani, the suspects were caught in the act of collecting money from the public without authorization from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The operation was launched following multiple complaints from victims who claimed to have been duped by the group’s investment scheme that operated across Region 12, Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro.
The arrested suspects were identified as:
- Honeylyn C. Sarte, alias Amarah, of M’lang, North Cotabato, believed to be the mastermind behind the so-called “Amarah scam”;
- Genevieve L. Enriquez of General Santos City;
- Joylyn D. Sedo, Isis A. Jimenea, and Josephine Gocotano of Kidapawan City, Cotabato;
- Alfata S. Piang of Datu Piang, Maguindanao; and
- Ryuichi B. Sasaki of Tagum City.
Two of the suspects—Sarte and Gocotano—are confirmed residents of North Cotabato.
Authorities said the group was running the “DINERO” investment scam, which promised investors quick returns within ten days despite lacking any SEC registration or legal permits. The suspects were reportedly using social media and promotional flyers to attract investors.
During the entrapment, operatives seized ₱30,000 in marked money, 28 pieces of boodle money in ₱1,000 denominations, transaction receipts, notebooks containing investor lists, several cellphones, flyers of “KAI Investment,” and a red Mitsubishi Xpander (plate number LAO 7509) used during their operations.
The suspects are now in the custody of CIDG-Sarangani Provincial Field Unit, where they are facing charges for violating Section 28 of Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, as well as syndicated estafa. Formal complaints have already been filed as of November 13.
Police are urging other victims of the group’s fraudulent operations to come forward and coordinate with the CIDG office in Alabel, Sarangani, to lodge their complaints.
Authorities further reminded the public to remain vigilant and avoid investment schemes that promise unusually high returns, especially those without proper authorization from the SEC.