MANILA—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested two individuals in Naic, Cavite for allegedly selling an unregistered subdivision project.

In a statement, the NBI said agents from its Cavite District Office – North (NBI-CAVIDO North) apprehended Irene Yuvienco Rosal and Resie Jane Brondial Pacon for violations of Sections 4 and 5 in relation to Section 39 of Presidential Decree No. 957, and for swindling or estafa under Article 315(2)(a) of the Revised Penal Code.

The arrests stemmed from multiple complaints accusing Rosal and Pacon of deceiving buyers into believing that a subdivision project offered through MJRL Landsource Realty was legitimately registered with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and had a license to sell.

Verification with DHSUD Region IV-A confirmed the project was unregistered and had no license to sell. The DHSUD had earlier issued a cease-and-desist order against MJRL Landsource Realty.

NBI-CAVIDO North agents, with assistance from DHSUD officers, launched an entrapment operation that led to the arrests. Authorities recovered marked money, an MJRL Landsource Realty receipt, a lot plan for Landsource Residences (Phase 1), a master list of lot buyers, and a lot distribution map.

The suspects were presented for inquest proceedings on the cited charges.

NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago commended the operatives for the successful operation, saying the case is a reminder that the real estate industry is heavily regulated and that developers, managers, and buyers must comply with the law. He stressed the importance of due diligence to protect buyers’ rights and investments.