The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday arrested six individuals allegedly involved in a plot to manipulate voting machines to secure a mayoral candidate’s victory.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) referred the case after Iba, Zambales mayoral candidate Atty. Genaro Montefalcon was allegedly approached by the suspects with an offer to ensure his victory in the upcoming polls.
Furthermore, the NBI reported that two of the suspects allegedly offered to secure Montefalcon’s victory in the May 12 elections by manipulating the Automated Counting Machines, connections within the COMELEC. The service allegedly came with a ₱30 million price tag.
One of the suspects further claimed to have direct ties to a former COMELEC chairman, stating that he is the nephew of senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos and the grandson of former COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos.
Montefalcon reported the incident to the COMELEC, submitting screenshots of his communications with the suspects as evidence.
In response, the COMELEC promptly referred the matter to the National Bureau of Investigation’s Olongapo District Office (NBI-OLDO). In coordination with the NBI Special Task Force (NBI-STF), authorities launched an entrapment operation on May 8, 2025.
Pretending to agree to their proposal, Montefalcon met with the suspects at a hotel in Quezon City.
During the meeting, the suspects allegedly told Montefalcon that he would need to pay ₱30 million for a guaranteed election victory, with an initial down payment of ₱15 million and the remaining balance to be settled after the polls.
Three of the suspects met with Montefalcon and undercover operatives in the hotel lobby, while the remaining three conducted the transaction with him in a hotel room.
After the marked money was handed over, the suspects in the hotel room and the lobby were immediately arrested.
Moreover, the suspects are facing charges for estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, usurpation of authority under Article 177, and violation of Section 28 of Republic Act No. 9369, also known as the Automated Election System Law.
