MANILA, Philippines – Twenty-four individuals have been arrested, so far, for alleged vote-buying in the Calabarzon region (Region 4A) and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.
“As of today, based on reports forwarded, all in all, we have arrested twenty-four persons already at merong dalawa na nakatakas so ito inaalam na natin,” PNP Director for Operations Major Gen. Mao Aplasca said in a press briefing at National Election Monitoring and Action Center in Camp Crame.
“[These are] from Region 4A and Cordillera,” he added.
Aplasca reminded the public to refrain from buying and selling votes as the PNP will be vigilant in implementing its campaign against vote-buying.
“We are sending strong message to those who are planning to buy and sell their votes. ‘Wag na sila mag-attempt kasi we will be very serious on this campaign,” he said.
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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said vote-buying is an election offense punishable by one to six years imprisonment. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)