THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) teamed up to arrest four suspected real estate scammers or kolorum in Cavite on Friday.
Nabbed were Joana Marie Cruzada and Joana Marie Viray from Alfonso, Cavite; Felmarich Dagohoy of Taguig City; and Jovannie Cruz of Angat, Bulacan.
The four were arrested during an entrapment operation set up by DHSUD and NBI in Barangay Sucat, Alfonso.
The joint team said the four sold properties at Alta Vista without any Certificate of Registration and License to Sell from DHSUD.
They claimed to be part of 1Premier Land Marketing Co., which they said was the marketing arm of the developer of Alta Vista. However, 1Premier is not registered with DHSUD.
DHSUD Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said the operation “is a big blow to real estate scammers, who prey on unsuspecting home buyers, and a huge boost to DHSUD’s ongoing intensified campaign against unscrupulous individuals, operating in the real estate industry.”
“It shall serve as a stern warning to all. DHSUD, along with our partner-law enforcement agencies like the NBI, means business in our drive against scammers, and we are committed in protecting the public from these sinister activities,” he added.
Del Rosario lauded DHSUD-Regional Office 4A, headed by Jeck Otero, and the NBI for the operation.
“Let me stress that we will not stop until these unscrupulous individuals in the real estate industry are arrested and put behind bars,” he said.