Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the arrest of two women in Naic, Cavite, on charges related to the sale of fraudulent subdivision project titles.

According to Philippines News Agency, NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated that the NBI-Cavite District Office – North (NBI-CAVIDO North) apprehended Irene Rosal and Resie Jane Pacon on August 6. The arrests were made on charges of swindling/estafa and for violating Presidential Decree No. 957, also known as the Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree.

The case originated from several complaints by individuals allegedly misled into believing that a subdivision project marketed by Rosal and Pacon through MJRL Landsource Realty was officially registered and had obtained a selling license from the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD).

An investigation, including verification with DHSUD 4-A (Calabarzon), confirmed that the project lacked registration and a selling license. NBI-CAVIDO North agents, with assistance from DHSUD officers, executed an entrapment operation resulting in the suspects’ arrest.

Items recovered from Rosal and Pacon included an MJRL Landsource Realty receipt, a lot plan for Landsource Residences (Phase 1), a list of lot buyers, and a lot distribution map, among other documents. The DHSUD had previously issued a cease-and-desist order against MJRL Landsource Realty.

Santiago emphasized that the arrests highlight the importance of adhering to regulations in the real estate industry, underscoring the necessity for developers, management, and buyers to comply with legal requirements.