A gubernatorial canddidate was arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Tuesday afternoon, February 11, for alleged swindling or estafa.
The suspect, identified as Margarita “Maggie” Cacho, 65, was nabbed in an entrapment operation in Barangay Sabang, Sibunag, Guimaras.
Cacho, who is running for Guimaras governor in the May 2025 polls, is reportedly a cousin of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.
She was arrested along with her secretary, Cayetano Leal 48, of Barangay Misi, Lambunao, Iloilo for alleged violation Republic Act 10951.
The entrapment operation was carried out by the CIDG-Anti-Organized Crime Unit (AOCU) in coordination with the Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime (OSETC), Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG-6), Guimaras Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), and Sibunag Municipal Police Station (MPS).
Also apprehended were two Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) personnel for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act in relation to the election gun ban.
The two were identified as Apprentice Seaman Marwin Parpan, 31, and Seaman 2nd Class Rico Maylan, 27.
Recovered from the suspects were, among others, P400,000 in boodle money, including one marked P500 bill, One Armscor .45 caliber pistol (Serial No. 341100), One 1911 .45 caliber pistol (Serial No. 735528) two firearm holsters, and two mobile phones.
The operation stemmed from the complaint of the proponent of an emission testing center. In exchange for P1 million, Cacho assured the complainant of the center’s permit and license.
The complainant, who agreed to an initial payment of P400,000 in September last year, sought police assistance when Cacho demanded the full amount.
The suspects are currently detained at Sibunag Municipal Police Station.IMT
