In Marikina, Manila resident nabbed for 'black propaganda' distribution

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina police arrested a man early Monday morning, May 12, for distributing materials falsely claiming that Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro had been disqualified by the Commission on Elections.

Police Lieutenant Aladin Alingas, commander of Sub-station 2 of the Barangka Police Station, confirmed to Philstar.com that the suspect — identified as Marvin Bacaycay — is not a Marikina resident and hailed from Sampaloc, Manila.

Alingas said the suspect had been invited by his neighbor in Sampaloc to help distribute the printout claiming Teodoro's disqualification for a promised payment of P1,200.

Bacaycay was arrested around 2 a.m. and remains under police custody. 

Alingas said police will investigate the motive behind the distribution but the suspect faces possible charges for violating the Omnibus Election Code's provisions against distributing unlawful election materials and black propaganda. 

False information. The suspect was found distributing a printed material featuring the logo of the tabloid Saksi with the headline: "It's final! Marcy Teodoro diskwalipikado; Boto kay Marcy, hindi na bibilangin (It's final! Marcy Teodoro disqualified; votes for Marcy will not be counted)!" 

Teodoro has not been disqualified by the poll body. While the Comelec First Division earlier granted a petition to cancel his certificate of candidacy over material misrepresentation, his name remains on the ballot as there is no final and executory decision yet over the matter. 

The incumbent Marikina mayor is gunning for a seat at the House of Representatives as representative of Marikina's first district.

No payment yet. Bacaycay told police he had not yet received payment at the time of his arrest, according to video footage obtained by Philstar.com of the suspect being questioned by police.

The suspect said he was supposed to meet other people part of the distribution at a popular fast food chain in Barangay Sto. Niño, Marikina City. 

"I was just contacted by my neighbor who told me to meet at Marikina Valley Hospital," the suspect said in the video.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia has been made aware of the misinformation against Teodoro and told reporters that other false information is being spread on election day. 

"Naglipana po ang fake news ngayon. Isa po yan sa mga tulad nito (Fake news is spreading everywhere right now. This is one of those)," Garcia said.