The Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development and National Bureau of Investigation have arrested four real-estate scammers or the so-called “kolorums”in Cavite.
Nabbed were Jo ana Marie Cruzada of Alfonso, Cavite; Joana Marie Viray, also of Alfonso; Felmarich Dagohoy of Taguig City, and Jovannie Cruz of Angat, Bulacan.
The four were arrested during an entrapment operation set up by DHSUD and NBI at around 3 p.m. in Barangay Sucat, Alfonso last Friday.
The suspects were involved in selling properties at Alta Vista without any certificate of registration and license to sell from DHSUD, a clear violation of existing laws.
They claimed to be part of 1Premier Land Marketing Co, an alleged marketing arm of the developer of Alta Vista.
However, 1Premier is not registered with DHSUD.
Scammers in the real-estate industry are widely known as “kolorum” agents who operate without proper legal documents.
DHSUD chief Eduardo dell Rosario said the successful operation shall serve as a reminder to all that the department, in close coordination with government law enforcement agencies, is relentless in its drive to protect the general public.
“This is a big blow to real estate scammers, who prey on unsuspecting home buyers, and a huge boost to DHSUD’s ongoing intensified campaign against unscrupulous individuals operating in the real estate industry,” she said.
“It shall serve as a stern warning to all. DHSUD, along with our partner-law enforcement agencies like the NBI, means business in our drive against scammers and we are committed in protecting the public from these sinister activities,” he added.
He lauded DHSUD-Regional Office 4A, headed by Atty. Jeck Otero, and the NBI for the successful operation.
He urged other DHSUD regional offices to intensify their respective drives against real-estate scammers.
“Let me stress that we will not stop until these unscrupulous individuals in the real estate industry are arrested and put behind bars,” he vowed.
