Six individuals were caught allegedly trying to rig the vote-counting machines to guarantee a mayoral candidate's win in Iba, Zambales.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested the suspects during an entrapment operation at a hotel in Quezon City on May 8.

The case started when Iba mayoral candidate, Atty. Genaro Montefalcon, reported the group’s offer to manipulate the results in his favor.

In a press release, NBI said Montefalcon was approached in April by Teody Abalos and Cherrylyn Adriano. The two claimed to have connections inside the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and offered to secure his victory in exchange for P30 million.

Abalos even claimed to be related to prominent political figures, saying he was the nephew of senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos and grandson of former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos.

Montefalcon reported the group to COMELEC, who then referred the case to the NBI. Together with the NBI Special Task Force, agents set up an operation to catch the suspects in the act.

During the meeting, the suspects asked for a down payment of P15 million. As soon as the marked money was handed over, NBI agents swooped in. 

Three suspects were caught in the hotel lobby, while the other three were arrested inside a hotel room.

Those arrested were identified as Roland Ucab, Teody Abalos, Joseph Ong, Cherrylyn Adriano, Ralp Edward Salas, and Francis James Mapua.

The group is facing multiple charges, including estafa, usurpation of authority, and violating the Automated Election System Law.