SEC reports Aura conviction, three arrests in Laoag investment cases

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Laoag Extension Office reported the conviction of two operators of Aura Finance and Investments and the arrest of three individuals in a separate investigation into alleged unauthorized investment solicitation in Laoag City.

Aura operator Arvin Briones Licuan and employee Princess Nestelene Ramos were convicted on 3 September 2026, by the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Laoag City, the SEC said.

The two were arrested during an entrapment operation on March 25, 2026, conducted by the SEC Laoag Extension Office and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Laoag Division Office.

They were charged with violating Sections 8 and 28 of the Securities Regulation Code, or Republic Act No. 8799, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175.

The SEC said Aura offered investments without the required registration and authority. The company was also not registered as a corporation and had no secondary license to solicit investments or operate as a lending or financing company.

Aura reportedly offered loans ranging from P6,000 to P20,000 at a monthly interest rate of 6%, with fixed weekly payments of P150. It also promoted membership packages and investment placements ranging from P10,000 to P100,000, promising monthly returns of 6% subject to a lock-in period.

During the March operation, undercover NBI operatives handed over P100,000 in exchange for an investment contract.

In a separate case, three individuals were arrested on Aug. 27, 2026, over alleged unauthorized investment solicitation through the Laoag City branch of ZIGNALS-ORG Information Services OPC.

The operation was conducted by the SEC Laoag Extension Office and the NBI Ilocos Norte Office.

The suspects were identified as Marie Eileen Esta Real, Marielle Kate Esta Real, and Mark Gil Aragona Pimentel.

According to the SEC, the branch allegedly solicited investments through a managed trading system without the required license, promising returns of 1% daily or 30% monthly. NBI personnel posing as prospective investors handed over the stated minimum investment of P2,400.

The three face charges for alleged violations of Sections 8 and 26 of the Securities Regulation Code and Section 11, in relation to Section 3(f), of the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, or Republic Act No. 11765.

The SEC clarified that while ZIGNALS-ORG is registered with the Commission, it does not hold the necessary license to offer, solicit, sell, or distribute securities to the public.

The SEC reminded the public to verify a company's registration and authority before making investments and to be wary of unusually high or guaranteed returns.

The public may check company registration through the SEC's “Check with SEC” service and verify the licenses of capital market participants through its Electronic Registration of Application for Market Participants (eRAM) portal.