Eight Army applicants who are members
of the Teduray tribe from Upi, Maguindanao were rescued by the Ministry of
Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs on Saturday, July 31, 2021, after getting scammed
by MSgt. Gilbert Diwan.COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao rescued Saturday, July 31, eight aspiring Army applicants who are members of the Teduray tribe from Upi, Maguindanao, after getting scammed by MSgt. Gilbert Diwan.
The said applicants were identified as Danilo Cornelio, Benzar Cornelio, Aladin Mosarta Ulobalang, Renato Amay Ulobalang, Nilo Clemente Timpadan, Benjie Montibayen Ulobalang, Jandy Ricardo Mobilao, and Lino Montibayen Timpadan.
According to them, after expressing their intention to enter the Philippine Army, Diwan assured them of immediate slots, which will shorten the application process.
However, a charge ranging from 35,000 to 45,000 was asked from the them, which Diwan said will be used in the processing of requirements.
Despite the applicants’ hesitation due to their educational attainment, they agreed to give in to Diwan’s offer after being guaranteed that it will not hinder them to pursue a career in the Philippine Army.
After paying a total of 390,000, Diwan brought them to Bulacan for the supposed training. For five months, the applicants stayed at his house who suffered from dire conditions, but Diwan never returned.
Their concern reached the media until MIPA was prompted regarding a group of applicants who were victimized of a scam. The said office, under the leadership of Minister Melanio Ulama, directly Development Management Officer III Jocelyn S. Palao, along with two other officials, to facilitate the rescue operation.
Now safe and back
to their homeland, the said applicants still hope to enter the Philippine Army.
(Anne B. Acosta)
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