Farmers file complaint vs Roque over alleged land-grabbing scheme – NBI
On March 23, 2026, a group of at least 17 farmers from Mariveles, Bataan filed a formal land-grabbing complaint against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and others at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The farmers allege that Roque's companies, Biancham Holdings Corporation and First Bataan Mariveles Holding Corporation, illegally acquired lands originally awarded to at least 75 families by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 1996. They claim their land titles were canceled without their consent, discovering the issue when checking with the Bataan Registry of Deeds after seeking assistance from the United Pilipino Against Crime and Corruption (UPACC).
The NBI-National Capital Region has launched an investigation into the complaint, with NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari confirming they are gathering written statements from complainants, records from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and documents from the Registry of Deeds. The NBI plans to summon Roque later in the process, though he is reportedly seeking asylum in the Netherlands and had his passport canceled in November 2025. Roque also faces separate nonbailable qualified human trafficking charges related to the raided Lucky South 99 Pogo hub in Pampanga.
Harry Roque has strongly denied the land-grabbing allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated and recycled accusations. In a statement, Roque called for a proper civil case in the appropriate forum if the claims were valid, stating: 'Let him file the appropriate case and I will meet him head on... This will not work. The public knows better.' He emphasized that only a complaint, not a formal court case, has been filed against him.
The complaint is supported by Atty. Raymund Palad, legal counsel for convicted kidnapper Ramil Madriaga, and Pyra Lucas of UPACC. Palad described an 'ambush' on farmers' lawyers and claimed no signatures were obtained from affected parties. The land dispute reportedly originated in 2022, with tensions escalating after farmers filed prior complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman. The case represents another legal challenge for Roque, who continues to face multiple allegations while residing abroad.
Join the discussion
What do you think? Drop your thoughts below.