5 Zamboanga del Sur barangay execs held for vote buying

MANILA, Philippines — Five barangay officials were arrested in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur for alleged vote buying during the May national and local elections, the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reported yesterday.

Ismael Espano, 71, chairman of Barangay Dulop; treasurer Evelyn Amamangpang, 36, and councilmen Ronald Amamangpang, 40; Edgar Sarajena, 46, and Juliana Maputi, 41, were apprehended at around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, CIDG director Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said.

A local court issued the warrants for violation of the Omnibus Election Code.

Lee did not give details except that the barangay officials were involved in vote buying.

“This is an assurance that the long arm of the law chooses no one,” he said.