For a good house or commercial establishment design at a very low price and affordable payment plan, it was indeed an irresistible offer for over 20 dreamers who just want to make the most of their money for good investment.

But such a dream ended in a nightmare when the promised "build now pay later" scheme turned out to be a scam for the alleged victims of Peter Francis Manalastas Miranda.

On Saturday afternoon, operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested Manalastas in an entrapment operation in Angeles City in Pampanga based on the complaint of his recent victim who told the police that he was duped into paying a down payment for a never-built house.

CIDG director Police Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said the modus of Miranda is to represent himself as the only licensed contractor who offers a low and affordable payment scheme for any construction project.

But as soon as the down payment is paid, Lee said Manalastas would make some excuses until he would block them in the app-based messaging system.

Tantalizing offer

CIDG spokesperson Maj. Mae Cunanan said Manalastas has a Facebook page where he would post projects and low-cost construction, especially under the "build now, pay later" scheme.

"He was able to lure the potential victims by saying that the reason why he offers low-cost construction is that he has a direct contact with the suppliers of construction materials," Cunanan told the Manila Bulletin in an interview.

"He would usually ask for a 30 percent down payment and once it is paid, he would even send the construction materials to the construction site to convince the victims that his is not a scam," she added.

But once the delivery of construction materials is made, he would make several excuses until he could no longer be contacted, according to Cunanan.

Multiple victims

In Pampanga alone, Cunanan said at least 20 people were allegedly victimized by Manalastas.

"We are also receiving reports from our field offices that there were people whom he victimized in Laguna and as far as Davao City," said Cunanan.

Cunanan then urged the public to immediately contact the CIDG if there are people they know who fell prey to Manalastas' modus.

Arrested

At around 4 p.m., Lee said his men pounced on Manalastas after receiving the marked and boodle money worth P300,000-- the initial down payment he asked from the complainant.

Lee said Manalastas is now facing a case of robbery, extortion and estafa.