In a significant development concerning a large-scale investment scam in the Philippines, the authorities have arrested a couple, Ronald Rivera, 34, and his wife Shielan Criscel Rivera, 34, along with their secretary, Apply Joy Templo, 29. This operation was executed by the municipal police in separate jurisdictions within Batangas and Occidental Mindoro, in response to allegations of fraudulent activities amounting to 5 billion pesos.

The arrest of Apply Joy Templo occurred at her residence in Barangay Poblacion 2, Balayan, Batangas.

Templo holds the rank of number five on the provincial most wanted list due to charges of syndicated estafa, following a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 253 in Las Piñas City.

Authorities from the Cuenca Municipal Police, in coordination with the Occidental Mindoro Police Station, subsequently detained Ronald and Shielan Rivera in Calintaan, also based on the same arrest warrant.

According to Major Charlie Reyes, head of the Cuenca Municipal Police, monitoring efforts were intensified prior to the arrest of the Rivera couple, which was prompted by the confirmation of the existing warrants against them.

The couple was reportedly able to establish a batching plant in Occidental Mindoro despite numerous complaints from investors who alleged being defrauded in the Batangas region.

Victims have approached the Department of Justice in 2023 to seek assistance against the couple, with many complaints originating from areas within Batangas, particularly Lipa and Cuenca, where reported losses total in the hundreds of millions of pesos.

Some victims also hail from Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.

The investigation indicates that the Riveras initiated their investment schemes in 2021, promising nearly double returns within a short timeframe.

They reportedly assured investors of substantial orders for aggregates, claiming rapid returns on investments.

To build credibility, the couple allegedly conducted tours for investors at their operational plant.

However, subsequent dealings revealed the couple's inability to return the principal investments, with victims receiving no profits, leading to bounced checks.

The suspects have declined to provide comments to the media regarding the allegations against them.

No bail has been recommended by the court for the temporary release of the accused.

Authorities are currently in pursuit of three additional suspects, reportedly relatives of the Rivera couple.