The justice department has issued a hold departure order for the owner of the failed banking and pre-need group Legacy, Celso de los Angeles, and eleven others.

De los Angeles and other Legacy officials are facing charges of syndicated estafa filed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for allegedly defrauding Legacy depositors, planholders, and investors of millions of pesos.

De los Angeles has denied the accusations but a witness has surfaced to debunk his claim of innocence.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News, a former Legacy employee confirmed the group's illegal activities.

"Si Celso mismo was the one making the decisions," said a former Legacy employee.  "Here are some deposit slips and cash vouchers that show that the money went into his personal accounts"

More witnesses against De los Angeles said they are willing to come out, but they want the justice department and the senate to first ensure their safety. -- report from ANC