THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) XI presented two women arrested in an entrapment operation for alleged real estate fraud and violations of the Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines (Republic Act 9646).
During a press briefing at the NBI office in Bajada on Wednesday, March 20, NBI XI spokesperson Agent Elias Leaño said the suspects were apprehended for violating Article 315 (Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code and RA 9646, which regulates real estate practices.
NBI XI director Arcelito Albao detailed the alleged scheme, saying the women posted attractive and affordable properties in the prime Baracatan,Toril on Facebook to lure potential buyers. These properties included a 2.3-hectare lot and a 700-square-meter lot, one valued at P300,000 and the other at a higher amount.
The suspects, described as “fixers,” allegedly operated without the required License to Sell (LTS) or a license from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as real estate brokers.
“The facts of the case reveal that they were selling properties without government authority,” Albao said. “They are not licensed real estate brokers, so we arrested them for violating Republic Act 9646 and for estafa under Article 315.”
The operation, conducted near the Starbucks area in the Abreeza compound around 11 a.m., followed multiple complaints from victims who claimed they were duped into purchasing raw lots. Authorities recovered P800,000 in marked money during the arrest. The property owner, whose land was allegedly being sold without authorization, also filed a complaint.
“According to the victims, the suspects collected more than P1 million from their fraudulent transactions,” Albao said.
The NBI-Davao is urging any additional victims to come forward and report to their office. The two suspects are currently detained at the NBI-Davao office.
