In a significant operation, the Quezon City police apprehended Ivan Borromeo, a 40-year-old man posing as a feng shui expert. This arrest, executed at his residence in Barangay Socorro, Cubao, followed the issuance of a warrant by the QC Regional Trial Court-Branch 226 for estafa and theft cases.
Borromeo, who used the alias “Celine” and was also known as Mark Lester Alvarez, is accused of defrauding several victims of approximately P50 million since 2015. His modus operandi involved feigning expertise in feng shui, a traditional practice associated with arranging the pieces in living spaces to create balance with the natural world. Through this guise, he would secretly take personal belongings like jewelry from his clients and demand money for his supposed services.
This arrest underscores the risks of trusting individuals without thorough verification, particularly when discussions involve valuable items such as jewelry and cash. The Quezon City police issued a reminder to the public to remain vigilant and cautious.
Borromeo’s case reflects the broader issue of deception and fraud in sectors where expert knowledge is assumed but often unverified. It highlights the importance of due diligence and awareness in dealings that involve personal assets and finances.