TARLAC CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a woman posing as a lawyer in an entrapment operation on Friday after allegedly defrauding a victim of P5 million through a bogus land dispute settlement scheme.
Identified as Jenny Macanas Sapad, the suspect used the aliases “Sheila Castillo” and “Angel Roxas y Sotero.” She faces multiple charges, including syndicated estafa, falsification of documents, cybercrime violations, and usurpation of authority.
The NBI’s Criminal Intelligence Division (CRID) conducted the operation after receiving a complaint from a victim who claimed Sapad had promised a favorable court ruling for a prime property in Tarlac in exchange for millions. To appear legitimate, Sapad allegedly presented forged documents and receipts purportedly signed by judges and court clerks from the Regional Trial Courts of Tarlac and Camiling.
Investigators confirmed that Sapad is not listed in either the Supreme Court roll of attorneys or the Integrated Bar of the Philippines registry.
“Her entire operation was built on fabricated credentials,” an NBI-CRID agent told reporters.
Authorities initially planned to arrest Sapad at the Tarlac Hall of Justice, but she changed the meeting location to a fast-food restaurant, where undercover operatives apprehended her and seized a fake ID under her alias.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago (Ret.) lauded the team for its swift action, saying the arrest highlights the agency’s commitment to “rooting out fraudsters exploiting public trust.”
The case has prompted calls for stricter verification of legal practitioners, urging the public to check lawyers’ credentials through official channels before availing of legal services.