Six individuals were arrested in Dagupan City after being caught in the act of vote buying just hours before the May 12 elections.
According to authorities, the suspects were apprehended by police operatives in Sitio Mantipac, Barangay Mayombo, and have now been formally charged at the City Prosecutor’s Office.
Seized from the suspects were approximately PHP 120,000 in cash along with various election paraphernalia, including leaflets and sample ballots endorsing certain candidates.
Dagupan City Police Chief Lt. Col. Brendon Palisoc identified the suspects as Eloisa Marie Dela Cruz Soriano of Brgy. Domalandan, Krizza Joy Agas Estabillo of Mabini St., San Carlos City; Cresente Sison Bondoc of Careenan St., San Carlos City; Ysa Villanueva, Maria and Michael Datuin Adaban all residents of Brgy. Mayombo, Dagupan City.
Following an investigation by the Dagupan Police, the suspects were formally charged with violating Article XXII, Section 261 (a) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, or the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits vote buying.
The individuals were allegedly caught distributing flyers along with PHP 1,000 in cash to influence voters.
They are currently under police custody and may be temporarily released upon posting bail set at PHP 36,000 each.
