First gentleman issues warning against swindlers

By Kit Bagaipo
Inquirer Visayas Bureau


TAGBILARAN CITY – First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo warned Bohol town mayors against falling prey to a swindler offering to facilitate the immediate release of funding assistance for a fee.

Arroyo issued the warning through his chief of staff, Juris Umali-Soliman, who communicated with Gov. Erico Aumentado and Mayors Telesforo Balagosa of Lila, Roberto Salinas of Catigbian, Simplicio Maestrado Jr. of Sierra-Bullones, Fanuel Cadelinia of Bilar, Gregoria Pepito of Batuan and Dan Lim of Tagbilaran City.

He said a certain Jericho Gamulo had tried to convince some mayors that he could facilitate the speedy release of their special allotment release order for a fee.

Gamulo allegedly claimed to be a close aide of the First Gentleman.
Arroyo denied having known Gamulo and maintained that he “never authorized anyone to represent him in any government or nongovernment transactions.”

Soliman furnished the National Bureau of Investigation Director Nestor Mantaring and Assistant Director Pedro Bulaong with copies of the communication.

“The First Gentleman reiterates his strong statement in 2001 that he does not meddle in governance nor does he authorize any person to make any transaction in his behalf,” Soliman said.

She said Arroyo had “repeatedly requested the heads of various government agencies, as well as government-owned and -controlled corporations to arrest people who use his name in any dealings or transactions.”