NBI confirms Jay Sonza arrest; former broadcaster now in BJMP

Jay Sonza was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged estafa and syndicated and large-scale illegal recruitment, NBI Assistant Director Glenn Ricarte confirmed on Aug. 15.

In a report by ABS-CBN News, Ricarte confirmed that the former broadcaster, whose real name is Jose Y. Sonza, was turned over to their custody after the Bureau of Immigration (BI) detained him on July 18.

According to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, Sonza was headed to Hong Kong but "was intercepted" when it was found that he has an active estafa case.

“BI records show that he has an active watchlist due to a warrant of arrest for criminal case no. R-QZN-14-11007 to 17-CR (Estafa, 11 counts), signed by Hon. Presiding Judge Editha G. Mina-Aguba,” Sandoval said.

The former UNTV station manager was then prevented from leaving the country at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 and was transferred to the duty immigration supervisor for verification.

Once it was confirmed, the BI handed Sonza over to the NBI. The NBI then transferred him to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

In a statement, BJMP Spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera said that Sonza is now at the Quezon City Jail Quarantine Facility in Payatas for a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. 

According to the Department of Justice, Sonza or any individual found guilty of estafa may be punished with imprisonment of up to 20 years, depending on the value of the damage in pesos. Syndicated and large-scale recruitment has a penalty of imprisonment from 12 to 20 years and a fine of not less than P2 million.