4 women arrested in Baguio ‘sanla-tira’scam; Police say complainants could increase after 15 possible victims surface

BAGUIO CITY — Around 15 individuals have approached police to verify whether they were also victimized in an alleged “sanla-tira” scam in Baguio City following the arrest of four women in an entrapment operation on October 20.

Police Major Ariel Langaoan, chief of Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Police Station 4, said the number of complainants could increase as authorities coordinate with other police stations, including those outside Baguio, to identify additional possible victims.

The alleged scheme involves offering a property for a fee or payment that allows another person to occupy or use it under an arrangement resembling a mortgage or advance payment. Fraud may occur when the person offering the property is not its legitimate owner or lacks the authority to enter into such an agreement.

In the Baguio case, the suspects allegedly used a two-storey building under construction in Springhills, Loakan-Apugan, as part of the transaction despite reportedly not owning the property.

Langaoan told Bombo Radyo Baguio that charges had already been filed against the four suspects, with authorities awaiting the appropriate resolution. Investigators are continuing to determine whether additional complaints could warrant further charges.

Complainant discovers alleged misrepresentation

According to police, the case surfaced on October 18 when a complainant sought assistance after discovering that the suspects did not own the building involved in their transaction.

The complainant reportedly began dealing with the suspects in September and went to Police Station 4 after discovering the alleged misrepresentation regarding the property's ownership.

Police then coordinated with the property's legitimate owner, who assisted authorities in the entrapment operation that led to the arrest of the four women on October 20.

Langaoan also disclosed that the suspects allegedly presented identification cards bearing different names. Initial information indicated that they may have been working together in carrying out their activities.

Police warn public against property fraud

Langaoan urged the public to exercise caution when engaging in property transactions, particularly those arranged through social media.

He stressed the importance of verifying the identity of the person offering a property and confirming their legal authority to enter into an agreement before making payments or signing documents.

He also encouraged potential victims and individuals who encounter suspicious transactions to report them to the nearest police station to help investigators identify other possible victims and prevent further cases.

Police continue to investigate the alleged scam and determine whether additional complaints may lead to further charges against the four suspects.