A Philippine Health Insurance Corp. official said that alleged swindling syndicate leader Feliza Domingo Torralba used a fake Philhealth card to prove her identity while carrying out their modus operandi which victimized at least 26 Bohol residents.
According to Mona Liza de Vera, chief social insurance officer of PhilHealth Bohol, Domingo’s name was not found in their nationwide database.
De Vera, during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s committee-level inquiry into the largescale swindling case on Friday, said that the number in Domingo’s PhilHealth card was under someone else’s name.
The PhilHealth official told lawmakers that card number 09-25327224-3 which Domingo used belongs to a resident of Batangas.
Authorities already notified the cardholder who, in turn, has started to coordinate with the police as part of the ongoing investigation.
In line with recent development, de Vera reminded the public that they can call the healthcare provider’s office to verify the validity of a PhilHealth card.
READ: Swindling syndicate likely aided by Bohol resident —BM
Meanwhile, Board Member Ricky Masamayor said he believes that the Torralba syndicate from Mindanao operated with a Bohol-based associate when they allegedly carted away at least P2.6 million worth of assorted goods and vehicles which they obtained through fraudulent transactions with Boholanos.
READ: Chatto asks ‘Bato’s’ help in taking down swindling syndicate
Masamayor, during the same inquiry, said that the Bohol-based associate was likely privy to crucial information on the establishments and individuals victimized by the criminal group.
The Torralba Group’s insider knowledge may have helped the suspects succeed in amassing the millions worth of merchandise mainly by issuing bouncing checks to the victims and allowed them to evade authorities, Masamayor said. (R. Tutas)