Barangay captain in Lumban, Laguna arrested for alleged illegal land deals

A barangay captain in Lumban, Laguna has been arrested for allegedly selling land that belonged to someone else.

According to John Consulta’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, authorities also confiscated two unlicensed firearms.

The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said it launched the operation after receiving a report that the suspect presented only a tax declaration, despite the land having a title.

The PNP-CIDG said the suspect—the barangay captain of Barangay Caliraya—had multiple victims and that the modus operandi had a semblance of land grabbing, as he pretended to own the property.

The victim told authorities that the lot for sale was 300 square meters and cost P1.3 million.

The suspect denied the accusations and said his documents are legit.

However, he admitted that the firearms were unlicensed but said they were borrowed to protect himself.

The suspect underwent inquest proceedings for charges of estafa through falsification of documents, syndicate estafa, swindling, and violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

PNP-CIDG reminded the public to check and verify documents when buying a piece of land. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News