Photo courtesy: NBI fb page
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested six individuals for allegedly selling government positions.
Those arrested—Diahn Sanchez Dagohoy (Diane), Bolkisah Balt Datadacula, Alejandro Barcena Lorino Jr., Ronald, Joesph Catunao, Leomer Abon, and Tita Natividad—face charges of syndicated estafa and violation of Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority or Official Functions) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).
According to NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), a complaint was filed on January 2, 2025, alleging that on December 29, 2024, Diane contacted a complainant and offered a seat in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament for P8,000,000. Further negotiations led to an agreement for two positions—one for the complainant’s son and another for his nephew—for a total of Php 15,000,000. Diane claimed the appointments would be arranged by the First Lady and that appointees would be sworn in on January 3, 2025.
An entrapment operation was conducted on January 2, 2025, at the Manila Hotel. The suspects were apprehended after receiving marked money and falsely presenting themselves as employees of the Office of the President. A certification from the Office of the President confirmed their lack of affiliation with the Palace.
Director Santiago praised the swift action of the Special Task Force (STF) and Cybercrime Division (CCD) and reiterated that government positions are not for sale.
