NBI arrests 6 for alleged vote-rigging plot in Iba, Zambales

Six individuals were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly plotting to rig vote-counting machines to ensure a mayoral candidate's victory in Iba, Zambales.

The scheme was exposed when Iba mayoral candidate Atty. Genaro Montefalcon reported the group's offer to manipulate results in his favor for P30 million.

Two of the suspects, Teody Abalos and Cherrylyn Adriano, claimed connections within the Commission on Elections (Comelec), with Abalos stating he was the nephew of senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos and grandson of former Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos.

Montefalcon reported the group to Comelec, which then referred the case to the NBI, leading to an entrapment operation on May 8 at a Quezon City hotel.

During the entrapment, the suspects requested a P15 million down payment, and were arrested by NBI agents after receiving marked money.

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