Just like many hardworking overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Marita Esseler was able to buy real properties and cars in the Philippines as investment for the time she wants to come home for good.
She left a property in Pampanga under a caretaker. But she regretted the decision when the guy tried to sell the house – and even pawned off all her cars!
Marita was originally set to come home for a vacation in January 2020. However, she learned that the caretaker is selling her house in Magalang, Pampanga, for Php5 million.
Since it was apparent that he was determined to sell the house and even found a buyer, Marita immediately filed a leave from work. She rushed to the Philippines in hopes that she could still stop the bogus sale.
“Ang dami ko na napadalang pera medyo ninenerbiyos na’ko. Later on, sabi ko, ‘Bakit parang kulang na ang pinapadala niya sa’king mga resibo, hingi na ng hingi ng hingi ng pera,” Marita shared.
Photo credit: ABS-CBN News
While it is quite possible for her to declare the transaction as null and void, it would be a great hassle for the OFW to deal with the ‘new homeowners’, had the caretaker been successful in selling the home.
With the help of the buyer and CIDG-Angeles City, Marita was able to catch the caretaker red-handed. Police Capt. Leopoldo Cajipe, the director of Police Capt. Leopoldo Cajipe explained that they waited for the caretaker to finish the supposed transaction. After he accepted the marked money, police swooped in.
The surprised caretaker still had the marked money in his possession. Moreover, he was also carrying several falsified documents, including the fake land title and the fake special power of attorney that was supposedly signed by Marita.
For his actions, the caretaker is now facing several charges, including violation of RA 9105 o Art of Forgery Act of 2001 and Falsification of Public Document.
The police also shared that he is facing additional charges after it was discovered that all of his employer’s cars are “lost”.
