PAOAY, Ilocos Norte — A sitting Batac City Councilor and 14 others were arrested on Sunday morning, 11 May 2025, for alleged involvement in vote-buying and selling in Barangay 9, San Pedro, Paoay.

Sources privy to the operation said law enforcers from the Paoay Municipal Police Station, acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, launched a swift intelligence operation after reports surfaced about an ongoing vote-buying activity at a private residence.

The main subject, a 65-year-old widow who is both an incumbent councilor and a re-electionist, was arrested along with 14 others reportedly engaged in vote-selling. Confiscated from the scene were 469 white envelopes containing over P1.4 million in cash, campaign paraphernalia, identification cards, and mobile phones.

Authorities conducted the inventory in the presence of barangay officials and the local Commission on Elections officer. The suspects are now facing charges for violating the Omnibus Election Code (Batas Pambansa Blg. 881), filed before the Ilocos Norte Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. They remain under the custody of the Paoay police, having waived their rights under Article 125 of the "Revised Penal Code," with a formal investigation underway.

Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Director, Police Colonel Frederick E. Obar, commended the swift action of his personnel and reminded law enforcers to remain vigilant, “We must remain steadfast in safeguarding the sanctity of the electoral process and upholding the rule of law.” He also urged the public to report election-related violations to help ensure clean and credible elections.