NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Guimaras Governor Hopeful; Three Others Nabbed In Election Gun Ban, Swindling Bust
Photo credit: CIDG
Looks like a gubernatorial candidate in Guimaras just lost more than a campaign—she's now facing serious charges after being caught in a police entrapment operation.
On February 11, 2025, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) stepped up its fight against scammers and election-related offenses, arresting four individuals in Barangay Sabang, Sibunag, Guimaras. Among those nabbed were Maggie, a gubernatorial aspirant, and Cayetano, both accused of swindling. Two members of the Philippine Coast Guard, Marwin and Rico, were also arrested for violating the election gun ban.
According to authorities, Maggie allegedly tricked a complainant into paying PhP 400,000 upfront, promising influence over government project approvals—specifically, securing an emission testing center under the Department of Transportation (DOTr). She reportedly claimed she could get the project approved for a hefty price of PhP 800,000 to 1 million. To sweeten the deal, she even boasted of being related to the First Lady.
Months passed, but nothing happened. Despite repeated requests, Maggie failed to produce any proof of payments or progress on the promised project. Then, in early February, she reached out again—this time asking for another PhP 400,000 to "speed things up." That’s when the complainant got suspicious and sought help from the CIDG.
On February 11, CIDG operatives, along with various law enforcement units, launched an entrapment operation at Maggie’s residence. She and Cayetano were caught red-handed accepting the marked money.
Meanwhile, two Philippine Coast Guard personnel, Marwin and Rico, were also apprehended during the operation. They were allegedly acting as Maggie’s personal security and were found carrying firearms—a clear violation of the election gun ban.
Maggie and Cayetano are now facing estafa (swindling) charges, while Marwin and Rico will be charged for illegal possession of firearms under RA 10591, in relation to the Omnibus Election Code. All four have been turned over to the Guimaras Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
CIDG Acting Director PBGEN Nicolas D. Torre III commended the complainant for coming forward and encouraged the public to report similar scams.
"We appreciate the courage of the complainant in reporting this scam. CIDG remains committed to cracking down on fraud and election-related crimes. If you know of any swindling or other illegal activities, report them to us—we’ll take care of the rest," Torre assured.
With the elections coming up, this case serves as a strong reminder: scams and shortcuts won’t cut it, and law enforcers are keeping a close watch.
On February 11, 2025, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) stepped up its fight against scammers and election-related offenses, arresting four individuals in Barangay Sabang, Sibunag, Guimaras. Among those nabbed were Maggie, a gubernatorial aspirant, and Cayetano, both accused of swindling. Two members of the Philippine Coast Guard, Marwin and Rico, were also arrested for violating the election gun ban.
According to authorities, Maggie allegedly tricked a complainant into paying PhP 400,000 upfront, promising influence over government project approvals—specifically, securing an emission testing center under the Department of Transportation (DOTr). She reportedly claimed she could get the project approved for a hefty price of PhP 800,000 to 1 million. To sweeten the deal, she even boasted of being related to the First Lady.
Months passed, but nothing happened. Despite repeated requests, Maggie failed to produce any proof of payments or progress on the promised project. Then, in early February, she reached out again—this time asking for another PhP 400,000 to "speed things up." That’s when the complainant got suspicious and sought help from the CIDG.
On February 11, CIDG operatives, along with various law enforcement units, launched an entrapment operation at Maggie’s residence. She and Cayetano were caught red-handed accepting the marked money.
Meanwhile, two Philippine Coast Guard personnel, Marwin and Rico, were also apprehended during the operation. They were allegedly acting as Maggie’s personal security and were found carrying firearms—a clear violation of the election gun ban.
Maggie and Cayetano are now facing estafa (swindling) charges, while Marwin and Rico will be charged for illegal possession of firearms under RA 10591, in relation to the Omnibus Election Code. All four have been turned over to the Guimaras Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
CIDG Acting Director PBGEN Nicolas D. Torre III commended the complainant for coming forward and encouraged the public to report similar scams.
"We appreciate the courage of the complainant in reporting this scam. CIDG remains committed to cracking down on fraud and election-related crimes. If you know of any swindling or other illegal activities, report them to us—we’ll take care of the rest," Torre assured.
With the elections coming up, this case serves as a strong reminder: scams and shortcuts won’t cut it, and law enforcers are keeping a close watch.
Feb 13, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
