Land scam syndicate members likely on immigration watchlist

Members of the syndicate involved in the 18.7 billion road right of way (RROW) scam are expected to be placed on the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) now that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is conducting an investigation on the matter.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II revealed that the syndicate continues to operate, according to a male witness who is involved in the scam.

When asked if the members of the syndicate will have to be placed on the ILBO to monitor their movements, the Secretary replied “most probably.”

Under the scam committed in General Santos City since 2009, Aguirre explained

“This criminal syndicate purportedly submitted fake titles in the name of non-existent persons to allow them to claim from the Department of Public Works and Highways the just compensation from the expropriation of land which will be supposedly occupied by government projects,” Aguirre said.

The group operated in General Santos City since 2009.

“I was also informed that for the syndicate to accomplish these apparently criminal acts, several public officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Internal Revenue, the City Assessor’s Office of General Santos, the Registry of Deeds, the Commission on Audit and the Regional Trial Courts have been identified by the said witness as having participated in the processing, approval, and eventual release of payments to cover these dubious claims,” said the Secretary.