BAGUIO CITY — The Bangued Municipal Police (MPS) are investigating an alleged vote buying incident involving residents of Lagayan, Abra, after some individuals reportedly received money and items from members of a political party on 18 March, at a resort in Bangued.

According to a memorandum from the Bangued MPS to the Abra Provincial Police Office (PPO), 15 residents of Barangay Collago, Lagayan, came forward to provide sworn statements.

The complainants said they were invited to attend speeches by candidates from the Team ASENSO political group. They were promised money and gifts in exchange for support.

The complainants, who attended the event with others, claimed that after the speeches by candidates running for various positions, including mayor, vice-mayor, congresswoman, governor, and vice governor, they were given P3,000 each, as well as tarpaulins, t-shirts, and hand sleeve covers bearing the names of candidates.

The report also revealed that some complainants were instructed by a member of Team ASENSO to open two ATM cards, with the promise that money would be deposited into the accounts.

The evidence, including the ATM cards, has been secured by Bangued Police, who are documenting the case for the filing of appropriate charges. The alleged vote buying violates the Omnibus Election Code (BP 881).