The City Government of Baguio is warning the public against entities issuing fraudulent Torrens titles in the city.
The Baguio City Council, during its regular session on Jan. 22, 2024, passed a resolution calling for the public to be vigilant and to condemn the illicit activities of a group called Bagong Lahing Pilipino (BLP) Multipurpose Cooperative, also known as the “Bagong Lahing Pilipino (BLP) Development Foundation Inc.”
Authored by Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Maximo Edwin Jr., the resolution censures the deceptive practices of this group, describing their acts as immoral.
It also urges the public to report to the authorities any activity related to the issuance of fraudulent torrens titles in the city.
The dubious activities of said organization have been a cause for concern since its formation in 2009. Claiming authority under the Real Property Act of 1858 and Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997, it has victimized members of indigenous peoples nationwide.
According to reports received by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Cordillera, it has allegedly issued fake land titles covering parcels of land in La Trinidad, Benguet and Baguio City to unsuspecting and desperate individuals.
Recent encounters by individuals with the group have raised red flags, prompting the NCIP and the IPMR League of the Philippines to take action.
The Baguio IPMR Office has recently received copies of counterfeit land titles over portions of land in St. Joseph Village and Loakan Liwanag barangay, both issued by the BLP Development Foundation Inc.
According to Edwin, this mass exploitation of vulnerable individuals undermines the integrity of the local land tenure system.
Copies of the resolution will be distributed to all the 128 barangays in the city, NCIP-CAR, Registry of Deeds, and other concerned offices for their information. – Jordan G. Habbiling
