ENTRAPPED The six arrested suspects (standing) in the “sale” of government positions in the Bangsamoro autonomous region are presented at the National Bureau of Investigation on Friday. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
The National Bureau of Investigation on Friday said six people were arrested for allegedly offering parliament seats in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in exchange for P15 million.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the agency acted on a complaint filed on Dec. 29, 2024 against Diahn Sanchez Dagohoy, Bolskiah Balt Datadacula, Alejandro Barcena Lorino Jr., Ronald Joseph Catunao, Leomer Abon and Tita Natividad for “selling” government seats.
The suspects, who were caught in an entrapment operation on Thursday at a hotel in Manila, are facing charges for estafa and violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code or usurpation of authority or official functions.
Instant oathtaking
A certain Diane was said to have initially offered P8 million a position in the Bangsamoro parliament, according to the NBI.
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The amount was raised to P15 million when the suspect offered a total of two seats to be arranged supposedly by first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
The suspect also promised that should the appointment be approved, they would immediately take their oath on Jan. 3.
Santiago noted the suspects also introduced themselves as members of the Office of the President, but a check made by the NBI showed they were not reporting to any government agency. —Kathleen de Villa