Davao, Philippines – Authorities in Davao City arrested a 34-year-old woman on July 7, 2026, after she allegedly pretended to be a Pag-IBIG Fund agent and pocketed PhP1 million from an unsuspecting property buyer.
According to a statement from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the suspect, identified only as “Lyza,” was caught inside the Pag-IBIG Fund Office at Pryce Tower along J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, at around 1:57 PM. She now faces charges under Republic Act No. 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007), Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code (Usurpation of Authority or Official Functions), and Article 315 (Estafa).
How the Scheme Unfolded
The CIDG report said the fraud began sometime in April 2026. Lyza reportedly introduced herself to the victim as a legitimate Pag-IBIG agent and offered foreclosed real estate, also known as Real and Other Properties Acquired (ROPA). She assured the buyer that she could fast-track the approval of these transactions and even claimed she had already paid the original owners in full.
Trusting her word, the complainant handed over a total of PhP1,000,000 for 18 housing units in the following locations:
- 16 units at Deca Homes, Talomo, Davao City
- One unit at Emily Homes, Cabantian, Davao City
- One unit at Portville Subdivision, Panacan, Davao City
The Truth Comes Out
Doubts grew when the victim visited the Pag-IBIG Fund Office on July 3, 2026, to check on the units and the paperwork. Verification showed that the documents were fake and never issued by the agency. Lyza, it turned out, was not an employee or an accredited agent at all.
Despite already collecting PhP1 million, the suspect still demanded an additional PhP120,000. That final push convinced the victim to report the matter to the CIDG, leading to the arrest.
The operation was led by the CIDG Davao City Field Unit under PMAJ Winnie T. Lampuyas, with CIDG Regional Field Unit 11 headed by PLTCOL Ariel T. Huesca. CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II said the arrest stopped further fraud and protected other would-be buyers.
A Reminder for Every Filipino
For our kababayans working hard overseas to invest back home, this case is a painful reminder to verify before you pay. Always confirm an agent’s credentials directly with Pag-IBIG, and never rely on assurances alone. The CIDG urged the public to stay vigilant and report anyone offering deals that seem too good to be true.