CEBU CITY – The cash reward for the arrest of a businesswoman who is facing charges for large-scale estafa has been increased from P1.5 million to P5 million.
Atty. Francisco Amit Jr. said the cash reward was increased after more complainants have filed charges against Michelle Lim Go and couple Jerlyn and Lorenzo Baltonado Jr.
Amit, legal counsel of Cebu-based businessman Kaiser Tan, said a lawyer is the latest to file charges against the accused.
Amit said that three accused have embezzled a total of P4 billion from various individuals in what he described as a premeditated scam.
Tan said he lost P147 million to the accused.
According to Amit, the Baltonados are known contractors in Leyte.
Amit said his client was convinced by the accused to invest in their projects but failed to fulfill the promised proceeds of the investment.
He disclosed that a separate arrest warrant has also been issued against Michelle’s husband, Lloyd Lawrence.
The arrest warrants against Lloyd Lawrence were issued last August 14 by separate courts in Cebu City and Toledo City.
Amit said the petition filed by Michelle that sought the nullification of her arrest warrant has been junked by 18th Division of the Court of Appeals.
He also called on the police to fast-track the arrest of the accused, noting that multiple warrants had been issued against them.
“I call on my brother in the Philippine National Police to help give justice to both parties. Justice is not only for Kaiser but also for the respondents because if the allegations against them are not true, they are being persecuted and not prosecuted. They should also face their cases,” Amit said.
Amit also called on the public to help authorities find the respondents.
He added that the Bureau of Immigration is closely monitoring the couple to make sure that they will not be able to leave the country.