Real estate officer in La Union nabbed for illegal collection

An operations manager of a subdivision developer in San Juan, La Union was arrested after authorities caught him allegedly receiving P1.5 million from a buyer despite an existing cease and desist order (CDO) against the project.

Based on surveillance footage released by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Ilocos Regional Office, a man and a woman were seen signing documents in San Juan, La Union before NBI agents and personnel from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) moved in during the entrapment operation.

According to an exclusive report by John Consulta on "24 Oras Weekend," the NBI said the operation stemmed from a request for assistance by DHSUD after it discovered that the developer continued to collect payments despite being ordered to stop operations.

Eleador Balgos, DHSUD Ilocos director, said the developer’s license to sell had already been revoked due to failure to complete the project.

According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, the developer allegedly continued collecting payments and pressuring buyers even after the regulatory order.

“Meron pong developer na hindi naman tinatapos ‘yung mga proyekto pero patuloy na naniningil at nagco-coerce pa doon po sa kanilang mga biktima,” he said.

(Here is a developer who did not complete their projects but continues to collect payments and even coerce their victims.)

Authorities said the suspect is facing charges of estafa, grave coercion, violation of Presidential Decree 957 or the Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree, and violations of the Real Estate Service Act.

The suspect has yet to issue a statement.

The NBI and DHSUD reminded the public to verify the registration and legitimacy of developers before making payments, and to immediately report possible irregularities.

“Siguraduhin po natin na ang mga nagbebenta nito o naglalako ng kanilang mga development ay patuloy na nakarehistro at protektado po kayo ng DHSUD,” Matibag said.

(Let us make sure that those selling or marketing their developments are properly registered, and that you are protected by the DHSUD.)

The operation was carried out by the NBI Ilocos Regional Office in coordination with the DHSUD.—MCG, GMA News