Family, friends of detained BPO execs appeal to PBBM

Family and friends of Cebu-based Hiyas Pilipinas founder and Innocentrix Philippines chief executive officer (CEO) Michael Cris “Mike” Sordilla, along with another company official Bryan Navales Tarosa—both currently detained in the United States for alleged publishing fraud—are appealing to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for their repatriation.

- Caecent Noot Magsumbol, Jonnavie Villa

Months after the arrests of Sordilla and Tarosa, along with a third individual identified as Gemma Traya Austin, Sordilla's spokesperson, Atty. Oliver Baclay, faced members of the Cebu media at Parklane Cebu International Hotel to deny all allegations.

In January, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that a federal grand jury had indicted the three individuals for allegedly defrauding elderly authors in the United States of nearly $44 million.

According to the DOJ, the scheme operated from September 2017 through December 2024. It reportedly involved luring victims with false promises that publishers and filmmakers were interested in adapting their books into blockbusters. Notably, Innocentrix began operations only in 2019.

Austin, based in Chula Vista, California, was identified as the organizer and registered agent of PageTurner Press and Media LLC—a company allegedly masquerading as a legitimate publishing house. Sordilla and Tarosa, meanwhile, were identified as executives of Innocentrix Philippines, a business process outsourcing firm.

The DOJ alleges that representatives from Innocentrix contacted authors through unsolicited calls and emails, falsely claiming collaboration with literary agents, Hollywood studios, and major streaming platforms. Victims were reportedly misled into believing their works were selected for acquisition and were convinced to pay fees for various services, including taxes and transaction costs.

Prosecutors said that the FBI identified more than 800 victims who lost a total of over $44 million.