3 nabbed in Laguna for allegedly posing as Comelec staff

Three individuals were arrested in Santa Cruz, Laguna for allegedly posing as employees of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Based on an initial investigation, the suspects allegedly introduced themselves as staff of the poll body from the main office and conducted an inspection of the automated counting machines (ACMs) at Silangan Elementary School.

One of the suspects also allegedly presented an identification card from the Comelec Task Force Kontra Bigay.

Meanwhile, the local police reported the incident to Acting Election Officer Patrick Arbilo, who verified the identities of the suspects. Arbilo found out the suspects are not working under the Comelec and are not legitimate employees of the poll body.

The suspects were apprehended and may be facing charges, according to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia.

“Kine-claim na sila ay miyembro ng Task Force Kontra Bigay. Una, wala na pong task force, committee na po 'yun. Tapos pirmado raw ni Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, fake ang document pati logo fake. Nangangahulugan, mga impostor ang mga ito at hindi sila tunay na empleyado ng Comelec,” he said.

(They are claiming to be members of Task Force Kontra Bigay but there is no longer a task force, it was elevated into a committee. The document they presented were also fake.)

Garcia said authorities have yet to determine the suspects’ motive but said they may be among those who are promising “election win” to candidates in exchange of large sum of money.

“Ito ay nakakabahala pero nagpapasalamat tayo sapagkat nagkaroon nang ganitong klaseng pag-aresto,” he added.

(We are worried over the incident but were thankful for the arrest.) —AOL, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.