6 nabbed for alleged land grabbing

MANILA, Philippines — Six persons were apprehended yesterday for alleged land grabbing during a raid on a house in Tondo, Manila where various firearms and fake land titles were recovered by police.

Jessica Cortez, Ricardo Pacarat, Ruben Abellero, Marilou Nocom, Jofil Lanugon and Maximo Lanugon were arrested by members of the Manila Police District Station 1 and special operations unit led by Superintendent Jay Dimaandal and Chief Inspector Rozalino Ibay Jr.

The suspects allegedly yielded a .380 caliber pistol, a .38 caliber handgun, a 9mm pistol, a grenade and ammunition when police swooped down on a house along Tomas street in Gagalangin.

Authorities said the suspects allegedly harassed homeowners of the Parola Compound and presented fake documents to claim their land.

 Accompanied by Robert Cinco, who claimed to be a lawyer, Ibay said the group entered the compound several months ago and evicted the homeowners “because they have certificates of title to the properties.”

Cinco allegedly paid the suspects P2,000 in exchange for harassing the victims.

He was previously arrested by police but managed to post bail.

 Ibay said Cinco is a not a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, falsification of documents and obstruction of justice will be filed against the suspects.