Manhunt on for land scam group leaders

A Quezon City Regional Trial Court has ordered the arrest of alleged leaders of a big-time land scam syndicate, whose members lure businessmen into buying tracts of rawland in various parts of Luzon.

Branch 70 Judge Alexander Balut denied bail to Delia Ledesma Belita, Cheryl Belita-Dava and Genevieve Belita, who have been charged with syndicated estafa.

The criminal case stemmed from a complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at the request of a group of businessmen led by Antonio Sy, president of the Spencer Realty and Development Corp., which was allegedly victimized by the group.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, representing the complainants, said the group, which operated under the trade name IBL Realty Corp., claimed to be authorized by the owners of the properties to sell them.

After having collected millions from their victims, the suspects would allegedly pocket the money or buy the tracts of land under their own names, then resell them to third parties.

Other victims who filed a complaint were Roberto Caronan, Wilfredo Ciriaco. Norma Wong, Cristina Caramol, Maria Penida and Sonia Bereno.

In connection with the syndicated estafa case, the court also ordered the arrest of Florence Beleta Olsen and son Delben “Noy” Belita and other alleged conspirators: Salvador Elarde Jr., Braulio Ledesma Jr., Rosita Estuart, Erlinda Gaerlan, Kathy Germentil, Ardelize Lim, Elsa Rafanan, Perla Fernandez and Joseph Avacilla.

The complainants offered P100,000 cash for the capture of each of the three alleged ringleaders and another P50,000 for information leading to the arrest of the others implicated in the scam.

According to a Department of Justice resolution signed by State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuno and Assistant Chief State Prosecutor Leah Tanodra-Armamento, head of the Task Force on Business Scams, the Belita Group has a wide area of operation, stretching from Metro Manila to Olongapo City and Subic, Zambales.

“To allow these crimes to go unabated could spell disaster for people from the lower income bracket, the primary target of the swindlers,” the resolution said. – Perseus Echeminada