Pastor Agustin Fontillas Jr., owner of embattled AGF Trading, surrenders to NBI Dumaguete after receiving threats from ‘influential personalities.” (Raffy Cabristante)
Negros Oriental investment scam mastermind surrenders for fear of his life
A multi-million peso investment scam’s alleged ‘mastermind’ surrenders Wednesday to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Dumaguete after receiving threats to his life.
Agent-in-charge, Atty. Jose Ermie Monsanto, in coordination with a telecommunication company, said Pastor Agustin Fontillas Jr., owner of AGF Trading surrendered to NBI Dumaguete agents in Bacolod City, Wed., Aug. 26. for fear of his life after receiving “threats” from “influential personalities.”
Fontillas did not identify who sent the threats to him and his family.
He apologized to his investors for suddenly disappearing but insisted that he first secured the safety of his family before turning himself over to authorities.
“I first secured my family. It was not my intention to hide. It was for security,” he said in Bisaya.
Fontillas assured that he would pay back all their investors after selling off his properties.
“It would not be immediate,” he said. But when asked if investors would be paid in full, he did not clarify. “I am willing to face my obligation to the people,” he assured.
Reynaldo Villlordon, NBI Dumaguete Supervising Agent said they have received some 200 complaints against Fontillas amounting to at least P100-million in investments. This does not include complaints filled in various police stations in Negros Oriental.
Villlordon, upon verification, said that AGF Trading is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Valencia town, west of the capital Dumaguete City. –Ryan Sorote