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Advocates Philippines
Yexel Sebastian Depart For Japan Amid Alleged Million-Peso Scam
Photo credit: Yexel Sebastian
Popular social media personality Yexel Sebastian and his partner, Mikee Agustin, have reportedly left the country amid an ongoing investigation into their alleged involvement in a million-peso investment scam.
The couple boarded a Cebu Pacific flight bound for Nagoya, Japan.
During a hearing at the Senate, Senator Raffy Tulfo said, "I have received numerous inquiries which I will direct to the Immigration and NBI. On Friday October 6, 2023, I aired this on my radio program. This couple, Mikee Agustin and Yexel Sebastian, who are quite well-known, have allegedly scammed hundreds of millions, and the figures could potentially reach billions in this investment scam."
He further inquired about the possibility of preventing the couple from leaving the country, given the growing number of complaints and allegations against them.
In response to Senator Tulfo's question, a representative from the Immigration department stated, "Indeed, our records show that Mikee Agustin and Yexel Sebastian departed for Nagoya this morning at 7 o'clock. Based on our records, the two subjects have no hold departure order, and in fact, they have no derogatory record in our database. Other than a hold departure order, which can be issued only by a Regional Trial Court upon a case filed, the DOJ can also issue an immigration lookout bulletin. However, there must be a complaint already filed with the prosecutor's office or a precautionary hold order can be issued by the court upon filing a criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office. As of now, we have no reason to hold the departure of the two subjects."
Senator Raffy Tulfo then turned to DOJ Secretary Remulla, inquiring about the possibility of the Department of Justice issuing a hold departure order. Secretary Remulla clarified, "I know that the Secretary of the DOJ can issue a hold departure order, if I'm not mistaken, upon the recommendation of the NBI, provided there is a filed case against the individuals."
Sec. Remulla added, "As of now, we can only issue a lookout bulletin."
Sebastian and his partner allegedly promised investors of 5 percent monthly interest on their investments. Some claim that Sebastian requires P1 Million as minimum investment.
The couple boarded a Cebu Pacific flight bound for Nagoya, Japan.
During a hearing at the Senate, Senator Raffy Tulfo said, "I have received numerous inquiries which I will direct to the Immigration and NBI. On Friday October 6, 2023, I aired this on my radio program. This couple, Mikee Agustin and Yexel Sebastian, who are quite well-known, have allegedly scammed hundreds of millions, and the figures could potentially reach billions in this investment scam."
He further inquired about the possibility of preventing the couple from leaving the country, given the growing number of complaints and allegations against them.
In response to Senator Tulfo's question, a representative from the Immigration department stated, "Indeed, our records show that Mikee Agustin and Yexel Sebastian departed for Nagoya this morning at 7 o'clock. Based on our records, the two subjects have no hold departure order, and in fact, they have no derogatory record in our database. Other than a hold departure order, which can be issued only by a Regional Trial Court upon a case filed, the DOJ can also issue an immigration lookout bulletin. However, there must be a complaint already filed with the prosecutor's office or a precautionary hold order can be issued by the court upon filing a criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office. As of now, we have no reason to hold the departure of the two subjects."
Senator Raffy Tulfo then turned to DOJ Secretary Remulla, inquiring about the possibility of the Department of Justice issuing a hold departure order. Secretary Remulla clarified, "I know that the Secretary of the DOJ can issue a hold departure order, if I'm not mistaken, upon the recommendation of the NBI, provided there is a filed case against the individuals."
Sec. Remulla added, "As of now, we can only issue a lookout bulletin."
Sebastian and his partner allegedly promised investors of 5 percent monthly interest on their investments. Some claim that Sebastian requires P1 Million as minimum investment.
Oct 9, 2023
