VCM burning incident in Isabela: 2 suspects identified

MANILA, Philippines — Two suspects linked to the burning of a vote counting machine (VCM) and other election paraphernalia in Isabela were identified by authorities on Tuesday.

Col. Mariano Rodriguez, director of the Isabela Provincial Police Office, identified the suspects as Jayson Leaño and Rodel Pascual.

A team of the police 3rd Maneuver Platoon and the Jones police station will conduct a dragnet operation to arrest the suspects.

Armed men on Tuesday morning snatched and torched a VCM which was being transferred to the municipal canvassing center in the town of Jones.

READ: Armed men torch VCM, election paraphernalia in Isabela

An estimated 200 unread ballots were in the torched VCM.

Police said the suspects used a light-colored pick-up truck as their getaway vehicle.

Further investigation is ongoing, while appropriate charges will be filed against the two suspects. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)