The Social Housing Finance Corporation has assured assistance to individuals affected by an alleged illegal housing scheme in Magalang, Pampanga.

In an interview on Monday, SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa said the agency is ready to extend legal assistance, including the assignment of lawyers, to more than 1,500 individuals who were reportedly victimized by a group accused of illegally collecting payments for a supposed housing project under the Sto. Niño Residences Homeowners’ Association Inc.

Although the project is not registered with SHFC and no application was ever submitted to the agency, Laxa said SHFC remains open to assisting the affected individuals by providing accurate information and the necessary support.

“Makipag-ugnayan lamang po sila sa amin at buong-puso naming tutugunan ang kanilang mga reklamo,” Laxa said. “Sila po ay mga biktima at hangad namin na mabigyan sila ng hustisya sa ginawa sa kanila.”

Laxa added that SHFC will also help coordinate with other government agencies, including the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the National Bureau of Investigation, to support the proper investigation of the case.

His statement came after complaints surfaced over individuals allegedly posing as authorized representatives and using SHFC’s name to promote the supposed housing project.

Reports said tarpaulins bearing SHFC’s name were even displayed to announce a purported groundbreaking activity for the project, despite the absence of any permit or authorization from the agency.

Laxa again urged the public to remain vigilant and to verify housing projects through proper channels to avoid falling victim to unscrupulous individuals.