Buying raw land

I take it when you say "My Future" you are referring to your Filipino spouse. As an American you do not own any land in the PI.  Sounds like you need a lawyer, some on here can point you in the right direction, but you gonna need on the ground help.

What exactly do you want to hear? You went ahead and built. Why were they claiming rights to it? Did you investigate?

Check out . . . . .  Indigenous People of Claveria on Facebook. (2.6k members)

Also do a Google search of A guide to the indigenous tribes of the Philippines.

@pnwcyclist haven't built yet.  Still a work in progress.  She is reality wise (owns 2 residential and 1 commercial property) and didn't know that a clean titled land could still fall under indigenous law. We have had a real-estate lawyer the whole time.

@pnwcyclist apparently, there are some laws or land lots that do not just show up.  We (she) is the rightful owner,  just surprised.  I want to bring to light the possibility, even when you fully research, there's another surprise possible.

Check out . . . . . Indigenous People of Claveria on Facebook. (2.6k members)
Also do a Google search of A guide to the indigenous tribes of the Philippines.
-@Enzyte Bob

Thanks, good advice.