Real Estate Agents Apprehended in Cebu City for Alleged Property Fraud Operation
Law enforcement authorities in Cebu City have successfully arrested two real estate agents following allegations of a sophisticated property fraud scheme. The suspects are accused of attempting to illegally resell a client's real estate asset for a substantial sum of money while also misusing his official documents for unauthorized financial transactions.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as April Jed Decena, aged 40, and Filton Lumasag, aged 55. Both suspects are residents of Sto. Niño Village in Cebu City. Their apprehension occurred during a carefully planned entrapment operation conducted inside a shopping mall located in Barangay Luz on January 16, 2026.
The case came to light when the victim, a 30-year-old businessman referred to as Benjie, filed a formal complaint with the Mabolo Police Station. According to his statement, he had engaged the services of the two real estate agents in November of the previous year, paying them P200,000 to facilitate the legal transfer of a land title into his name.
Discovery of the Fraudulent Activities
The situation took a dramatic turn on January 15, 2026, when Benjie made a shocking discovery. He found that the suspects had listed his property for sale on the popular social media platform Facebook, advertising it with an asking price of P3 million. Further investigation revealed even more concerning details about the agents' unauthorized actions.
Benjie subsequently learned that the real estate agents had utilized his land documents as collateral to secure a loan amounting to P400,000 from a private lending company. This transaction was conducted without his knowledge or consent, representing a clear violation of trust and professional ethics.
The Coordinated Police Operation
In response to these discoveries, the victim collaborated closely with police investigators to develop a strategic plan. Benjie created a fictitious Facebook account to pose as an interested buyer of the property. Through this deceptive account, he initiated communication with the suspects and successfully arranged a meeting to discuss the potential property purchase.
This coordinated effort between the victim and law enforcement led directly to the successful entrapment operation. During the arrest procedure, police officers recovered multiple falsified identification cards from the possession of the two suspects, providing additional evidence of their alleged criminal activities.
Legal Consequences and Charges Filed
The arrested individuals now face serious legal consequences for their alleged actions. Authorities have formally filed criminal charges against April Jed Decena and Filton Lumasag. The specific charges include Estafa under the Revised Penal Code and Falsification of Public Documents.
This case serves as a significant reminder about the importance of conducting thorough due diligence when engaging real estate professionals and highlights the vigilance of Cebu City police in addressing property-related fraud cases that affect local residents and business owners.
