THE vice mayoralty candidate in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, vehemently denied published reports, particularly by SunStar Davao, alleging his involvement in vote buying on the morning of May 6, 2025.
Cyrian Reberta, also the incumbent Poblacion barangay captain, said in a phone interview with this writer that SunStar Davao’s report was solely based on official police reports and information provided by regional government agencies, including the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Police Regional Office (PRO), through their respective directors and spokespersons during press conferences held on May 7 and May 9.
He added that SunStar Davao was the only news outlet he remembered publishing the report. However, similar stories were also aired by other media platforms, including radio and television stations.
Reberta clarified that at the time of the incident, he was not at home as he was attending a session, and although the incident occurred within his jurisdiction, he was not directly involved.
“So far, mao ra [kamo] akoang nakita. Wala ko kabalo ana kay naa ko ato during session. Wala gyud ko nag hugaw-hugaw sa akoang pangalan. Wala koy kalibutan kung asa ug para asa nang bugas,” he said, noting that he is not the barangay captain of Manat, contrary to what was reported by authorities.
Reberta added that the incident may be politically motivated and, as a result, he has been limiting his movements for security reasons.
On May 10, Reberta stated that SunStar Davao was involved in circulating what he called "fake news," despite the outlet not mentioning his name in the article.
“Giklaro usab ni Kapitan Cyrian nga dili tinuod nga giimbistigahan siya sa pulis o sa Comelec sukwahi sa nabalita sa Sunstar. Iyang gitin-aw nga sayup ang maong balita kay gani naghulat siya hangtud karon kon dunay taga-Comelec nga mutawag sa iyang atensyon o kaha patubagon siya sa maong alegasyon,” Reberta’s camp said.
(Captain Cyrian also clarified that it's not true that the police or Comelec are investigating him, contrary to what was reported in Sunstar. He explained that the news is wrong because he is still waiting until now to see if anyone from Comelec will call his attention or ask him to respond to the said allegation.)
According to the Police Regional Office-Davao report shared with the local media, Nabunturan Municipal Police Station received a complaint from concerned citizens about a 22-wheeler truck carrying thousands of sacks of rice allegedly being distributed outside the candidate’s residence.
Police’s preliminary findings indicated that the rice distribution was allegedly coordinated by the barangay captain’s secretary along with personnel from the barangay police or the Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO).
Police officials estimated that the truck originally carried approximately 2,500 sacks of rice. Police reports added that prior to authorities’ intervention, around 1,000 sacks had already been handed out, while the remaining 1,500 were confiscated as evidence.
However, Reberta clarified that no one from his team was present during the incident and that he had no knowledge of the alleged distribution.