NBI arrests individual posing as Mandaue lawmaker’s representative
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — The National Bureau of Investigation arrested a man accused of posing as a representative of a congressional office and other government offices to collect money from individuals seeking government assistance.
The suspect was identified as Christian de Asis, who allegedly claimed to have connections with the Office of Mandaue City Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon to facilitate applications for medical, educational, and other forms of government assistance.
NBI-Cebu District Office (NBI-CEBDO) head agent Arnel Pura, in a press conference on Tuesday, October 20, said that De Asis was arrested on Oct. 14, 2026, following complaints referred by Ouano-Dizon’s office.
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4 sought the NBI’s help
Pura said that four complainants had approached the NBI following the arrest.
Two alleged that De Asis offered to facilitate medical assistance, while the other two accused him of claiming he could arrange bail for their detained family members.
Pura clarified that De Asis was never employed by Ouano-Dizon’s office and had no authority to transact on its behalf.
Dianita Ochia, a complainant, said that De Asis approached her family while they were processing hospital discharge and financial assistance for a patient.
Money for assistance
She alleged that he presented himself as being connected to Ouano-Dizon’s office and asked for ₱400, supposedly to cover his transportation expenses while processing their assistance.
Edna Gozon, one of the complainants, said that De Asis approached her after learning that her son had been detained. De Asis allegedly offered to help arrange for his release on bail.
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Gozon alleged that De Asis repeatedly asked her for money for supposed information, processing, transportation, and other fees. She said she incurred a total of ₱100, 000 in expenses while trying to secure her son’s release.
She also alleged that someone posing as the arresting police officer sent her messages demanding payments and threatening consequences if she failed to comply.
Invoking the DOH, too
Gozon said she later discovered that the contact number used by the person claiming to be a police officer was the same as the number associated with the surety representative she had dealt with. That was De Asis.
Another complainant, Dionesio Suplaag, alleged that De Asis approached him at the nurses’ station in a hospital and claimed to be connected with the Department of Health.
Suplaag said that De Asis offered to help with expenses related to his medical treatment and government assistance applications. He alleged that De Asis asked for more than ₱4,000 for processing and notarization fees. Additional money was later requested.
No fixer needed, aide assures
Precious Torreta, political affairs assistant at Ouano-Dizon’s office, clarified that applicants do not need intermediaries to access assistance.
Torreta said that patients or their immediate family members must process requests directly with the office. They can do so during regular working hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and submit the required documents.
“Walay (fixer). Tanan nearest kin or tagtungod ang mo-process sa assistance. Never gyud nag-authorize si Cong. Lolypop nga moadto sa hospital kay maoy mangita og (beneficiaries),” Torreta said.
(There is no fixer. For all assistance, only the nearest kin or guardian needs to process. Congresswoman Lolypop has never authorized anyone to go to hospitals to look for beneficiaries.)
Estafa, ease of doing business
She added that assistance is processed through referral letters directed to hospitals or other appropriate agencies. Cash is not handed directly to beneficiaries.
Torreta said the office became aware of the alleged scheme after receiving an earlier complaint. Staff members recognized De Asis when he returned to ask about scholarship assistance, prompting them to coordinate with the NBI.
The NBI said they had filed cases of estafa through misrepresentation and violations of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.
Pura urged the public to verify claims made by individuals offering to facilitate government assistance. Better yet, transact directly with the concerned offices to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.
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