Vote-counting machines rigging uncovered in Iba, Zambales
Six individuals were caught allegedly attempting vote-counting machines rigging to ensure a particular mayoral candidate’s victory in Iba, Zambales. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested them during a carefully planned entrapment at a Quezon City hotel on May 8.
The case began when Atty. Genaro Montefalcon, a mayoral candidate in Iba, reported an unusual offer from a group promising to manipulate the election results for his benefit.
How the vote-counting machines rigging plot unfolded
According to the NBI, Montefalcon was first approached in April by two suspects, Teody Abalos and Cherrylyn Adriano. They claimed to have connections inside the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and offered to guarantee his win in exchange for a hefty sum of P30 million.
Abalos even mentioned his ties to well-known political figures, saying he was the nephew of senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos and the grandson of former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos.
Authorities foil vote-counting machines rigging scheme
Montefalcon took immediate action by reporting the suspicious offer to COMELEC. The commission then referred the matter to the NBI, which set up a special task force to catch the suspects in the act.
During the sting operation, the suspects demanded a down payment of P15 million. Once the marked money was handed over, NBI agents swiftly arrested three suspects in the hotel lobby and another three inside a hotel room.
Those apprehended and charges filed
The suspects arrested were identified as Roland Ucab, Teody Abalos, Joseph Ong, Cherrylyn Adriano, Ralp Edward Salas, and Francis James Mapua. They now face multiple charges, including estafa, usurpation of authority, and violations of the Automated Election System Law.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in securing fair elections and the vigilance of authorities against vote-counting machines rigging.