The National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas, known as NBI 7, has officially served a subpoena to property developer Lloyd Adlawan, who is associated with Azzela Properties Development Corp. (APDC). This legal action comes in response to a flood of complaints from hundreds of clients who allege they paid substantial sums for housing units but have yet to receive their promised properties, leaving them with vacant lots instead of homes.
Investigation Details and Developer's Response
In an interview with SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, NBI 7 confirmed that the subpoena was dispatched during the first week of March. The purpose of this document is to grant the respondent a formal opportunity to address the allegations leveled against him. However, in a move that has raised eyebrows, a representative of Adlawan visited the NBI office on that same Wednesday to request a rescheduling of the inquiry.
Authorities have clarified that they have provided ample opportunity for the respondent to present his side of the story. Nonetheless, investigators issued a stern warning, indicating that they may proceed with filing charges even if Adlawan fails to appear. This underscores the seriousness with which the NBI is treating the case, as they continue to gather and verify documents and affidavits from victims to build a formal case.
Roots of the Complaint and Financial Impact
The complaints primarily center around housing projects in Minglanilla, where homebuyers have endured years of delays and regulatory issues with pre-sold units. Many of these buyers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), invested significant amounts, with some payments exceeding P2 million. Despite these hefty financial commitments, nearly five years later, the majority of the units have not even begun construction.
This has resulted in buyers being left with nothing but empty plots of land, despite having made full or substantial payments. The situation highlights a distressing pattern of unfulfilled promises and financial loss for the affected families.
Historical Context and Legal Scrutiny
Adding to the controversy, Reniva, a source familiar with the matter, expressed little surprise at Adlawan's request to reschedule. She noted that this behavior aligns with what she described as a habitual "modus" or scheme, even referencing past media interviews where similar tactics were observed. This historical context suggests a potential pattern of evasion that authorities are now keen to address.
Currently, NBI 7 is meticulously examining the possibility of filing multiple charges against Adlawan. These include Syndicated Estafa, which involves large-scale fraud; Violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, possibly related to online transactions or communications; and Economic Sabotage, reflecting the broader impact on the local economy and trust in the housing market.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the NBI emphasizing its commitment to justice for the victims. As they continue to collect evidence, the case serves as a stark reminder of the risks in the real estate sector and the importance of regulatory oversight to protect consumers from such alleged scams.
