NBI arrests 6 for election manipulation, fraudulent acts

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday announced the arrest of six individuals who allegedly plotted to manipulate voting machines for a mayoral candidate’s victory in exchange for P30 million.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the candidate reported the individuals to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and provided screenshots of their conversation, wherein the group promised him a secure win.

The group claimed that they had connections within the poll body and even a direct connection with the previous Comelec chairman.

Comelec then referred the matter to the NBI Olonggapo District Office, leading to the conduct of an entrapment operation on May 8.

The NBI said the candidate pretended to agree with their proposal and met with the suspects in a hotel in Quezon City.

Three of the individuals met with the candidate and the undercover agents in the hotel lobby while three others transacted with him in a hotel room.

Charges for Estafa, Usurpation of Authority, and Section 28 of the Automated Election System Law were filed against the Subjects, according to the NBI. — BAP, GMA Integrated News