NBI ARRESTS 6 OVER ATTEMPT TO MANIPULATE ELECTIONS IN ZAMBALES

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday announced the arrest of six persons who plotted to manipulate voting machines to secure the victory of a mayoral candidate in Zambales in exchange for P30 million.

NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago said nabbed were  Rolando Ucab, Teody Abalos, Joseph Ong, Cherrylyn Adriano, Ralp Edward Salas and Frances James Mapua.

The six were arrested following a complaint filed by Iba, Zambales mayoral candidate Genaro N. Montefalcon.

Montefalcon told NBI that he was offered by the suspects a secure win in the upcoming polls.

According to the victim, he was approached by Teody and Cherrylyn last April, claiming they have connections within the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Montefalcon said the suspects offered to secure his victory in the upcoming May 12 elections by manipulating the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) for a fee of P30 million.

Teody allegedly claimed to have direct connection with the Commission, stating that he is a nephew of senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos and a grandson of former Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos.

Suspicious of the offer, the mayoral bet reported the incident to the Comelec.

The Comelec promptly referred the matter to the National Bureau of Investigation-Olongapo District Office (NBI-OLDO). In coordination with the NBI Special Task Force (NBI-STF), an entrapment was launched on May 8, 2025.

Montefalcon agreed to meet with the suspects in a hotel in Quezon City. During the meeting, the suspects told the victim that he needed to pay P30 million for his guaranteed victory.

The suspects requested for a downpayment of P15 million and that the remaining amount would be paid after the election.

Adriano , Abalos , and Ong met Montefalcon and the undercover operatives at the hotel lobby while Ucab, Salas , and Mapua were the ones who transacted with the victim in the hotel room.

After handing over the marked money, the six suspects were placed under arrest.

The arrested suspects were charged with violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, usurpation of authority, and violations of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, and Section 28 of Republic Act 9369 also known as the Automated Election System Law.