NBI busts syndicate selling BARMM seats using First Lady’s name

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested six people accused of running a syndicate that allegedly promised seats in the Bangsamoro parliament in exchange for bribes, and reportedly namedropping First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to bolster their claims.

The suspects were arrested during an entrapment operation at the Manila Hotel on Thursday, January 2.

Authorities identified the alleged ringleader as Diahn Sanchez Dagohoy, also known as Diane. She was arrested along with Bolkisah Balt Datadatucala, Alenjandro Barcena Lorino Jr., Joseph Catunao, Leomer Abon, and Tita Natividad.

The NBI said the group posed as Malacañang employees, claimed ties to the First Lady, and promised government positions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in exchange for large sums of money.

The operation stemmed from a complaint filed earlier that day by former Maguindanao representative Esmael Mangudadatu. He said the suspects approached him with an offer to secure a parliamentary seat for P8 million. 

Mangudadatu said the price later increased to P15 million for two positions — for his son and for his nephew.

Dagohoy, according to the complainant, assured that the positions would be arranged by the First Lady herself, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Friday, January 3. 

A certification from the Office of the President confirmed the suspects had no affiliation with the Palace.

“We are glad to catch them,” Mangudadatu told Rappler on Friday.

He said he played along the suspects, sensing their bad intentions.

In a statement, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said: “This operation sends a clear message that government positions are not for sale. We will not tolerate individuals who exploit public trust for personal gain.”

The suspects face charges of syndicated estafa and usurpation of authority or official functions.

The NBI said it would continue its investigation to identify other possible victims and further unravel the full scope of the syndicate’s activities. – Rappler.com