Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI 7) have successfully apprehended five people accused of orchestrating a multi-million peso real estate fraud. The arrest occurred during an entrapment operation on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Suspects and Charges Filed
The individuals taken into custody are all residents of Cebu City. They have been identified as Janice Chu Dy, Rowena Ortilla Abella, Edgardo Ang Cayanes, Mark Dominick Avetajado Villaluz, and Marites Pabroa Ariola. Authorities are preparing to file formal charges against them for estafa through falsification of public documents.
This specific charge falls under Article 315(a) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Article 172. The case highlights a serious attempt to defraud using counterfeit official papers.
How the P4 Million Scam Unfolded
The operation was launched following a formal complaint by Reymark Arsolon, who represents MCAR Leasing and Trading OPC based in Mandaue City. Arsolon detailed that he lost P4 million after engaging in a real estate mortgage deal for a property located in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.
The group of suspects reportedly guaranteed the complainant that the property was legitimate, claiming it was owned by Janice Chu Dy and backed by a valid Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT). To secure the transaction, they presented what appeared to be official documentation to the victim.
Fake Documents Exposed
The scheme began to unravel when the victim conducted due diligence. A verification request sent to the Cebu City Register of Deeds revealed a critical finding: no property was registered under Janice Chu Dy's name. Furthermore, a thorough examination concluded that all the title documents shown to Arsolon were completely fake.
This discovery prompted the victim to seek assistance from the NBI 7, which then planned and executed the entrapment operation that led to the arrests.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Warning
All five suspects are currently detained under the custody of NBI 7 as the investigation continues to determine if there are other victims or connected fraudulent activities.
In light of this case, the NBI 7 has reiterated its warning to the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the Christmas and New Year season when financial transactions tend to increase. They advise individuals to always verify the authenticity of property titles directly with the Register of Deeds and to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
