The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested six individuals for syndicated estafa.

NBI director Jaime B. Santiago identified those arrested as Diahn Sanchez Dagohoy, Bolkisah Balt, Alejandro Barcena Lorino Jr., Ronald Joseph Catunao, Leomer Abon and Tita Natividad.

They will be facing charges of syndicated estafa and violation of Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority or Official Functions) of the Revised Penal Code.

Reports disclosed that on 2 January 2025, a complaint was filed with the NBI’s Special Task Force and Cybercrime Division.

The complainant alleged that on 29 December 2024, a person identified as Diane contacted him and offered him a seat in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament for a fee of P8 million. The complainant feigned interest in the offer.

After further discussions, the complainant and Diane agreed to appoint the complainant’s son and nephew to the BARMM parliament for a fee of P15 million. Diane assured the complainant that two positions would be reserved and arranged by the First Lady.

The suspects claimed that successful appointees would be sworn in on 3 January 2025. A meeting was scheduled between the complainant and the group at the Manila Hotel on 2 January 2025.