Authorities Arrest Fake NBI Agents for Attempted Vote-Buying Investigation in Laguna
VOTE BUYING – Fake NBI agents were arrested in Laguna due to alleged vote-buying probe in Barangay Kabulusan, Matikiw.
Vote buying is when someone gives money, gifts, or promises something in return for a person’s vote during an election. This is illegal and unfair because it tries to influence voters with offers instead of letting them choose freely.
Vote buying is a serious problem because it harms fair elections and supports corruption. It also takes away the true voice of the people. In many places, including the Philippines, vote buying is against the law and those caught doing it can face serious consequences.
On Thursday (May 8, 2025), a group pretending to be agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was arrested in Pakil, Laguna after attempting to conduct a fake investigation related to alleged vote-buying.
Around 10:50 a.m., the suspects approached the Pakil Municipal Police Station claiming they were investigating reports of vote-buying. They arrived in an SUV and presented what appeared to be NBI IDs and badges. They introduced themselves as agents from the NBI Main Office in Pasay City.
The police immediately coordinated with the NBI Legal Service and the NBI Laguna District Office. After verifying the information, it was confirmed that the individuals were not legitimate NBI personnel.
A hot pursuit operation was launched, and at around 3:15 p.m., the suspects were intercepted in front of Kabulusan Elementary School. Authorities searched their vehicle and found fake NBI identification cards, counterfeit badges, two firearms, and several rounds of ammunition.
Among those arrested was a former police officer. The group was brought to the Pakil Municipal Police Station for further documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
Investigators are still working to determine the true motive behind the suspects’ actions. It remains unclear whether the incident was politically motivated or if it was part of a larger scam.
Police are reminding the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities, particularly those involving people claiming to be from government agencies.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
In a similar post, 8 individuals arrested for vote buying in Caramoan, Camarines Sur