CEBU CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation Region 7 (NBI 7) arrested five individuals accused of orchestrating a ₱4 million real estate scam during an entrapment operation conducted Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
NBI 7 identified the suspects as Janice Chu Dy, Rowena Ortilla Abella, Edgardo Ang Cayanes, Mark Dominick Avetajado Villaluz, and Marites Pabroa Ariola, all residents of Cebu City.
The suspects face charges of estafa through falsification of public documents, a violation of Article 315(a) in relation to Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code.
The arrests followed a complaint filed by Reymark Arsolon of MCAR Leasing and Trading OPC in Mandaue City. Arsolon alleged that he was defrauded after entering into a real estate mortgage agreement involving a property located in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.
According to investigators, the suspects assured the complainant that the property was legally owned by Dy and covered by a valid Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT). However, verification with the Cebu City Register of Deeds revealed that no property was registered under the stated name. Authorities further determined that the documents presented during the transaction were falsified.
The suspects are currently detained at the custody of NBI Region 7 as the investigation continues.
NBI 7 reminded the public to remain cautious against fraudulent schemes, particularly during the Christmas season and the New Year, when scam-related activities tend to increase.
