KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a real estate personnel during an entrapment operation on March 5, 2026 in Koronadal City for allegedly selling subdivision lots without proper authority and using questionable documents.
The operation was conducted by the NBI through its NBI Central Mindanao Regional Office (CEMRO) following a complaint filed by Sahar Carumba Kaddoura. The complainant alleged that portions of a parcel of land located at Purok Everlasting, Barangay New Pangasinan in Koronadal City were being marketed and sold without the consent of the legitimate heirs of the registered owner, Teodorico Paraico.
The property in question is covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 145-2022004615.
According to the NBI investigation, the land was being offered to potential buyers through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) supposedly executed by Paraico in 2022. However, records obtained by authorities revealed that Paraico had already died in 1979, raising serious doubts about the authenticity and legality of the document used to facilitate the sale.
Further verification with the Professional Regulation Commission showed that the person involved in the transaction was not a licensed real estate practitioner, a violation of Republic Act No. 9646.
Investigators also discovered that the property was being marketed through P&N Real Estate Services without the required authority from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), which constitutes a violation of Presidential Decree No. 957.
Prior to the entrapment, NBI agents conducted a series of test-buy operations that confirmed the office was actively offering subdivision lots to prospective buyers.
At around 10:00 a.m. on March 5, NBI operatives proceeded to the office of P&N Real Estate Services in Koronadal City to carry out the entrapment. Upon receiving the pre-arranged signal, agents entered the premises and caught Lilah May Villaruel y Tayo in the act of counting the marked money used as a down payment for a subdivision lot.
Authorities immediately arrested the suspect and informed her of the reason for her arrest as well as her constitutional rights.
Villaruel now faces multiple charges, including violations of the Real Estate Service Act under Republic Act No. 9646, Presidential Decree No. 957, and Article 315(2) of the Revised Penal Code for estafa.
Following the arrest, the suspect was taken to the NBI Central Mindanao Regional Office in Koronadal City for booking and documentation. She has since been inquested before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Koronadal City.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag underscored the bureau’s commitment to protecting the public from fraudulent real estate schemes.
“We urge the public to exercise due diligence when purchasing real estate properties. Always verify the legitimacy of brokers, agents, and supporting documents through the proper government agencies before entering into any transaction,” Matibag said.
“The NBI will continue to pursue individuals who engage in fraudulent schemes that victimize unsuspecting property buyers,” he added.