NBI arrests 6 people for "selling" official positions for millions of pesos

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced on Friday the arrest of six individuals accused of "selling" seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament for millions of pesos.

At a press conference, the NBI identified the suspects as Diahn Dagohoy, Bolkisah Datadacula, Alejandro Lorino Jr., Joseph Catunao, Leomer Abon, and Tita Natividad.

They were arrested on Thursday during a sting operation at a hotel in Manila.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated that a complaint was filed with the Special Task Force (STF) and the Cybercrime Division (CCD) on Thursday, accusing Dagohoy of contacting the complainant on December 29, 2024, and offering a seat in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament for 8 million pesos.

The complainant alleged that Dagohoy and his group claimed to be employees of the Office of the President.

After a series of discussions, the complainant and Dagohoy agreed to appoint the former's son and nephew as members of the BARMM Parliament, for a fee of 15 million Philippine pesos.

Dagohoy assured that these positions would be reserved for them and further claimed that the "appointees" would be sworn in before January 3.

A meeting was held, and the group was arrested after receiving marked money.

A certification from the Office of the President confirmed that the suspects were not their employees and had no affiliation with the Presidential Office.

The suspects face charges of group bribery and usurpation of authority or official functions.