Bought untitled property

Dear pinoy lawryer, I bought an untitled coastal property in Culion, Palawan. I have the deed of sale from the previous owners and the copies of previous deed of sale from previous, previous owners with sketch of the property. We have never put any improvements on the property except for "tambak" of stones. This October we wanted to put a fencing to the property so that we can file a tax declaration on the property and eventually file an application for a title. We just found out apparently that someone has already filed a title and has complete papers to our property and is now apparently planning to build something doon. My question is how did this happen? And what case do we have to make a rightful claim of the property we bought in 2005. Can you please advise? I can ask our contact sa Culion, Palawan to call you so she can give you more information. Salamat... If you think we have a case, can you pls refer a real estate lawyer who can represent us? Thanks

I suggest you look for a local lawyer in palawan.

try to find out how the title was issued, whether through denr or through court. but that is the risk in purchasing untitled property.