Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday said it is looking into a complaint about the alleged illegal transfer of agrarian lands in Bataan.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI disclosed that 20 farmers have filed sworn statements and submitted documents to the NBI-National Capital Region (NCR). The farmers allege that parcels of land covered by Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) were transferred to a private corporation associated with the now-banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), implicating individuals such as former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

The complaint highlights that the CLOAs were transferred without obtaining the necessary clearance from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Preliminary findings from the NBI suggest possible document falsification in the processing and transfer of land titles, prompting concerns over the legality and validity of these transactions.

The NBI-NCR is conducting a comprehensive case build-up to ascertain the existence of probable cause and to identify any individuals who may be criminally liable. The bureau has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted impartially, adhering to existing laws, especially those safeguarding agrarian reform beneficiaries.