NBI arrests 6 individuals for plotting ACM manipulation for P30M
The National Bureau of Investigation presents to the media on Friday, May 9, the six individuals arrested for plotting to manipulate the automated counting machines supposedly to ensure the victory of a mayoral candidate. Photo by the National Bureau of Investigation.
MANILA, Philippines — Six individuals were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for plotting to manipulate the automated counting machines (ACMs) that would supposedly ensure victory of a mayoral candidate in exchange for P30 million.
The NBI said that the arrest stemmed from the Comelec information regarding Iba, Zambales mayoral candidate Atty. Genaro Montefalcon who was offered the “service” in April 2025. The suspects, presented to the media on Friday, were identified as: Roland Ucab; Teody Abalos; Joseph Ong; Cherrylyn Adriano; Ralp Edward Salas; and Francis James Mapua.
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After approaching Montefalcon last month, NBI said that Abalos and Adriano “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,” the NBI noted in a statement.
The NBI further said that Montefalcon became skeptical of the offer and immediately reported the incident to the Comelec. An entrapment operation was conducted on Thursday after the poll body relayed the information to the NBI Olongapo District Office.
The NBI said that Montefalcon, under the guise of accepting the offer, met with the suspects in a hotel where he was told to pay for a downpayment of P15 million and the remaining amount after the elections. The subjects were arrested after Montefalcon handed over the money.
The suspects are facing charges for violating Article 177 and 315 of the Revised Penal Code, and Section 28 of the Republic Act No. 9369 or the Automated Election System Act.
In a separate incident, the Comelec recently filed charges of usurpation of authority and falsification of public documents against three individuals claiming to be poll body employees who wanted to inspect ACMs in an elementary school in Laguna.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia earlier warned that these tactics to intervene in the midterm elections are unauthorized by the poll body and just aim to deceive and milk money from candidates.
