09/05/2025
๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ง๐ฆ ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฃ๐จ๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐๐จ๐๐๐ก๐ง ๐๐๐ง๐ฆ
The National Bureau of Investigation-Olongapo District Office (NBI-OLDO) and Special Task Force (NBI-STF), under the supervision of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), arrested six (6) individuals who plotted to manipulate voting machines for mayoral candidate's victory.
Subjects were identified as ROLAND UCAB y BAYSON, TEODY ABALOS Y ALMAZAN, JOSEPH ONG Y GAMAO, CHERRYLYN ADRIANO y UMLAS, RALP EDWARD SALAS Y DE LUNA, and FRANCIS JAMES MAPUA y LASCANO.
The case stemmed from the COMELECโs referral regarding Iba, Zambales mayoral candidate, Atty. Genaro N. Montefalcon, who was offered by Subjects his secured win in the upcoming election. In April 2025, Atty. Montefalcon was approached by Subjects Teody Abalos y Almazan and Cherrylyn Adriano y Umlas. They claimed connections within the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and offered to secure his victory in the upcoming May 12 elections by manipulating the Automated Counting Machines, for a fee of P30 million. Abalos further claimed to have a direct connection with the previous COMELEC chairman, stating that he is the nephew of senator-candidate Benhur Abalos and a grandson of former COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos.
Skeptical of their claims and offer, Atty. Montefalcon reported the incident to the COMELEC, providing screenshots of their communications. 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), an entrapment operation was hatched on May 8, 2025.
Under the pretense of agreeing to their proposal, Atty. Montefalcon met with the suspects in a hotel in Quezon City. During the meeting, Subjects told Atty. Montefalcon, that he needed to pay Php 30 Million for his guaranteed victory, but they only requested for a down payment of P15 million and that the remaining amount would be paid after the election.
Subjects ADRIANO, ABALOS, and ONG were the ones who met Atty. Montefalcon and undercover operatives in the hotel lobby, while Subjects UCAB, SALAS, and MAPUA were the ones who transacted with Atty. Montefalcon in a hotel room. After handing over the marked money, Subjects in both the hotel room and in the hotel lobby were placed under arrest.
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