CAMP Francisco S. Macabulos, Tarlac City – A dream vacation in Boracay turned out to be a nightmare for this group of individuals.
Fourteen persons were allegedly scammed by a travel agency based in this city out of a vacation in the idyllic getaway.
Two employees of the travel agency – Asvflight Travel and Tour located at Unit 10, Boxpark Building, Bypass Road, San Vicente, here – were arrested by the police after the victims filed a complaint.
The suspects were arrested in Mayantoc, Tarlac in an entrapment operation Friday, July 22.
Police Major Randie Niegos, acting chief of police of Mayantoc, said the suspects were arrested at around 11:30 p.m. by the Mayantoc police and Tarlac provincial police cyber response team.
Investigation showed that the victims availed of a Boracay package tour amounting to P72,800 last May 23 and agreed to pay in installment.
On July 6, the victims completed payment, and all were set for their vacation.
But on the day of their travel, the travel agency cancelled their flight and no hotel accommodation was set for them.
They tried to contact the travel agency but to no avail and found out that its office was already closed.
They found out later that the travel agency was transacting online.
The victims transacted with the agency online and they were led to Barangay Poblacion Sur, Mayantoc where the suspects were arrested.
Suspects face charges for violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (swindling/estafa/online scam) as amended by Repulic Act (RA) No. 10951 in relation to RA 10175 and falsification of documents, according to the Mayantoc police.
Suspects are under the custody of the Mayantoc police for proper documentation and proper disposition.