BATANGAS CITY (PIA) — A couple accused of orchestrating a multi-million peso investment scam was arrested on Thursday, June 12, in Occidental Mindoro by Cuenca police.
Ronald and Shielan Criscel Rivera, residents of Lipa City, were nabbed in Calintaan town based on an arrest warrant issued on June 2 by Judge Ma. Ludmila De Pio Lim of the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court. They face charges of syndicated estafa.
According to Police Major Charlie Reyes, officer-in-charge of the Cuenca police station, the Riveras allegedly used their company, Rivercom Construction Development Inc., to solicit investments from the public starting in 2021. The couple promised returns of up to 25% to lure investors.
“Most of the complainants are residents of Cuenca and Lipa City, including a local councilor,” Reyes said.
Brgy. Malagonlong village chief Ariel Mantuano, who also served as a wedding sponsor for the couple, stated that the Riveras initially paid interests on investments, convincing many—including family members and neighbors—to invest.
“Eventually, the interest stopped coming in, and the checks they issued began bouncing,” Mantuano said.
One investor, Jaypee Mantuano—Ariel’s nephew—claimed that the couple issued multiple checks for ₱1 million, ₱40 million, and ₱70 million. The checks later bounced and were submitted as evidence in a complaint filed with the Department of Justice.
In addition to the Riveras, four others—Camille Rivera, Gem Russel Rivera, Apple Joy Templo, and Norman Corpuz—were also charged. Except for Templo, who was reportedly arrested, the others remain at large. No bail was recommended for all the suspects.
The Rivera couple is now in the custody of the Cuenca police for documentation and temporary detention.
