A VICE mayoral candidate in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro—also an incumbent barangay captain—is under investigation for alleged vote buying ahead of the May 12, 2025, National and Local Elections.
The probe follows the interception of a 22-wheeler truck carrying thousands of sacks of rice reportedly being distributed outside the candidate’s residence in Purok 6, Barangay Manat on Tuesday, May 6.
According to Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, spokesperson of Police Regional Office Davao (PRO-Davao), the Nabunturan Municipal Police responded to a report from concerned citizens about a suspicious distribution of rice from a white Howo trailer truck.
“So na-confiscate nato tong truck nga gikargahan sa mga bugas and then pag abot sa pulis nanagan dayon tong naglinya na mga tawo na mu-receive sa maong bugas (We were able to confiscate the truck loaded with rice. When the police arrived, the people lined up to receive the rice immediately scattered),” Dela Rey said during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing on Wednesday.
Initial investigations revealed that the distribution was allegedly facilitated by the barangay captain’s secretary and members of the Barangay Police or Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO).
Authorities estimate the truck was initially loaded with around 2,500 sacks of rice. About 1,000 sacks had already been distributed before the police intervened, while the remaining 1,500 were seized as evidence.
The truck driver was arrested on the spot. The rice and the vehicle have been brought to the local police station for further investigation and documentation. Authorities are also identifying others potentially involved, including the candidate himself.
The incident may be in violation of Comelec Resolution No. 11104, which prohibits the distribution of goods or financial aid during the campaign period for electoral advantage. The resolution aims to prevent vote buying, defined as giving or promising anything of value to influence a voter's decision.
If proven, the candidate may face disqualification, criminal charges, and imprisonment under the Omnibus Election Code.
The case is under review to determine whether the rice distribution was politically motivated and linked to the candidate’s campaign. DEF