ONE of several boxing personalities implicated by Ranilo Terrania expressed his willingness to testify against the ill-famed boxing recruiter.

Gemmel Contayoso, a local manager and promoter from Koronadal, South Cotabato, actually filed an estafa complaint against Terrania, a.k.a Bong Obero, early last year.

“Syempre willing ako mag-witness. Matagal na din akong nag-file ng kaso laban sa kanya,” said Contayoso in a long-distance telephone interview with BusinessMirror.

Contayoso said Terrania borrowed P100,000 and promised to pay the amount in due time.

Terrania, however, refused to pay back Contayoso and avoided any contact with the latter.

“Magaling talagang manloko. Ako pa ang idinamay niya sa kalokohan niya. Mabuti na lang din at nahuli siya,” said Contayoso.

Contayoso said he filed a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding the estafa case.

The complaint remained unsolved as Terrania eluded arrest by staying mostly in Thailand apart from using several aliases while in the country.

The NBI the other day disclosed that Terrania was captured on April 12 in an entrapment operation in Ermita.

Apart from importing despondent local fighters, Obero is said to be involved in a large-scale illegal recruitment activity as he promised dozens of incautious individuals of decent paying jobs in Thailand and in some parts of Southeast Asia which all turned out to be bogus.

Lady fight manager and promoter Yolly Alfante also welcomed the arrest of Obero but still hopes that authorities will last the distance because the ill-famed boxing personality has reportedly established deep ties with rogue officials.

“Marami na ding koneksyon ’yang si Obero pero sana makonsensiya naman ’yung mga nagpoprotekta sa kaniya. Barya na nga lang kung tutuusin ang kita ng mga boxers lalo na’t buhay nila ang nakataya,”said Alfante.

The feisty Alfante was one of few boxing personalities who bravely talked with BusinessMirror and opened up her displeasure over the way officials are treating the case.

Obero and his coaccused are being blamed for the death of Filipino boxer Lito Sisnorio who was involved in several illegal fights in Thailand.

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