Manila, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended six individuals accused of impersonating First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to sell positions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The suspects, identified as Diahn Sanchez Dagohoy, Bolkisha Balt Datadacula, Alejandro Barcena Lorino Jr., Ronald Joseph Catunaw, Leomar Abon, and Tita Natividad, face charges of syndicated estafa and usurpation of authority.
The Sting Operation
The operation stemmed from a complaint by former Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who reported being offered a BARMM parliamentary position for P8 million. According to Mangudadatu, the suspects contacted him via phone, falsely claiming to have direct connections to First Lady Liza Marcos and other high-ranking officials, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Mangudadatu, suspecting a scam, played along to gather evidence. The NBI’s Cybercrime Division launched an entrapment operation and arrested the suspects at a hotel in Manila while they attempted to collect payment.
NBI Confirms Fraud
NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed the suspects had no ties to Malacañang. “When we checked with the Palace, wala, hindi sila kilala dun (they were not known there), and they issued a certification that they are not connected in any way to the Palace,” Santiago said.
NBI officials revealed the suspects’ scheme involved offering fraudulent presidential appointments, including positions in the Bangsamoro Parliament, for exorbitant fees. The suspects also promised a cut of the commission for recruits who secured new victims.
Suspects’ Claims
One of the suspects, alias “Alex,” a local candidate in Parañaque City, claimed he was implicated by a friend who promised him financial gain. “There was a standard operating procedure that once we found interested individuals, we’d get a commission. I needed funds for my campaign,” Alex said. He added that he had not received any payment and was only set to share in the proceeds after the supposed oath-taking.
Call for More Victims to Come Forward
The NBI has urged other potential victims to come forward. “Last year, there was a similar case. These schemes are rampant, and we suspect there are multiple groups employing different methodologies,” said Atty. Van Angluben, Executive Officer of the NBI Cybercrime Division.
Legal Proceedings
The suspects are facing non-bailable charges of syndicated estafa and violations under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code (Usurpation of Authority or Official Functions). Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of their operations.
A Reminder to Stay Vigilant
This case serves as a stark reminder to remain cautious of fraudulent schemes exploiting high-profile names. The Palace reiterated that official appointments are never for sale and urged the public to report similar scams to authorities.
Mangudadatu, who previously served as Maguindanao’s governor and congressman, expressed relief over the successful operation and called on others to stay vigilant against such schemes.