By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday presented six individuals who allegedly tried to sell an “election victory” to a mayoralty candidate for PHP30 million.
The Olongapo District Office (NBI-OLDO) and Special Task Force (NBI-STF) identified the six as Roland Ucab, Teody Abalos, Joseph Ong, Cherrylyn Adriano, Ralp Salas, and Francis Mapua.
The case stemmed from a referral from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) over a report from Iba, Zambales mayoral candidate Genaro Montefalcon.
According to the NBI, the group claimed to have connections within the Comelec and offered to secure Montefalcon’s victory in the May 12 elections by manipulating the automated counting machines (ACMs) in exchange for PHP30 million.
Abalos further claimed to have a direct connection with the previous Comelec chairperson, stating that he is the nephew of senator-candidate Benhur Abalos and a grandson of former Comelec chairperson Benjamin Abalos.
Montefalcon reported the incident to the poll body, providing screenshots of their communications.
The Comelec promptly referred the matter to the NBI-OLDO and in coordination with the NBI Special Task Force (NBI-STF), an entrapment operation was hatched on Thursday.
Montefalcon met with the suspects in a hotel in Quezon City.
Adriano, Abalos and Ong met Montefalcon and undercover operatives in the hotel lobby, while Ucab, Salas and Mapua transacted with the candidate in a hotel room.
The suspects requested a downpayment of PHP15 million and the remaining amount would be paid after the election.
After handing over the marked money, the suspects were placed under arrest.
They face charges for violation of Article 315 (Estafa) and Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority) of the Revised Penal Code; and Section 28 of Republic Act No. 9369, also known as the Automated Election System Law. (PNA)
