3 Comelec 'imposters' nabbed in poll machine inspection ruse

Metro Manila, Philippines - Authorities arrested three men in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on Monday, May 5, for allegedly posing as Commission on Elections (Comelec) personnel assigned to inspect automated counting machines.

According to a police report, the suspects entered the Silangan Elementary School and took a photo of the automated counting machines after presenting an ID and a purported memorandum from “Task Force Kontra Bigay.”

The document supposedly authorized them to monitor areas with reported vote buying and to document irregularities.

The men, who were on board an SUV bearing Comelec stickers, said they were sent by the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila.

Authorities identified them as Noli Giliberte, Joel Giliberte, and Jose Cayado – all residents of La Loma, Quezon City.

Authorities alerted Acting Election Officer Patrick Arbilo, who confirmed that the suspects were illegitimate Comelec personnel and unauthorized to conduct inspections in voting centers.

The three were brought to the Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station.

In a chance interview on Tuesday, Comelec Chairman George Garcia condemned the incident and vowed a thorough investigation.

“Mga impostor, peke po ang mga dokumento na mga yan at meron silang reason at purpose kung bakit sila naandyan,” Garcia said.

“Sana nga masabi nila sino ang mga nasa likod… sino ang mga kliyente nila kung meron man, at the same time ano ang involved kung bakit sila naandyan,” he added.

[Translation: They’re impostors - their documents were fake, and they clearly have a reason and a purpose for being there. Hopefully, they reveal who is behind this… who their clients are, if any, and at the same time, what’s involved and why they were there.]

He also reminded authorities that any inspection of polling places must be coordinated with the local Comelec offices.

This followed a series of election-related incidents in recent months, including the arrest of a suspected Chinese spy outside the Comelec headquarters in April and the apprehension of three individuals posing as Comelec IT experts in February.

The Comelec also reiterated warnings against disinformation and fake news, such as false claims that a national ID is required to vote. The agency emphasized that Election Day is on May 12, contrary to misleading reports circulating online.