CIDG nabs gubernatorial aspirant, 3 others for swindling, firearms possession

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested an aspirant for governor and three other suspects for allegedly swindling and carrying firearms amid the election gun ban.

The CIDG said the gubernatorial bet in Western Visayas allegedly claimed that she could influence government projects particularly the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) emission testing application with the Department of Transportation for a fee of P800,000 to P1 million.

A complainant reported paying P400,000 to secure the project in September 2024. The suspect failed to deliver on the commitment and didn't refund the money.

In February 2025, the suspect asked the complainant for an additional P400,000 to expedite the project and asked to meet on February 11.

After confirming that the suspect was not affiliated with the DOTr, the complainant reported to the police and an entrapment operation ensued.

The aspirant and another suspect were caught in the act of receiving the P400,000 entrapment money. At the same time, two members of the Philippine Coast Guard were arrested for possession of two pistols.

The suspect and her colleague will be charged with estafa while the two PCG members will be charged for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act in relation to the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, and the election gun ban. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News