By Jennifer P. Rendon
SIBUNAG, GUIMARAS — A 65-year-old gubernatorial candidate and three others were arrested in a police entrapment operation here on Feb. 11 following a swindling complaint filed against her.
Margarita Cacho, an independent candidate running against incumbent Guimaras Rep. Ma. Lucille Nava, was apprehended at her home in Barangay Sabang, Sibunag, along with Cayetano Leal and two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel.
Cacho, a cousin of First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Cacho Araneta-Marcos, was allegedly working with her secretary, 48-year-old Leal, a resident of Barangay Misi, Lambunao, Iloilo.
The two PCG personnel, identified as Apprentice Seaman Marwin Parpan, 31, of Dipolog City, and Seaman Second Class Rico Maylan, 27, of Siaton, Negros Oriental, were reportedly acting as Cacho’s personal bodyguards without proper authorization.
Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, said Cacho was subjected to a police operation following a complaint from a businessman.
The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) national office, under the direct supervision of the Office of the President, led the operation.
“May prior knowledge na ang Office of the President, that’s why in-operate siya,” Wanky said.
The complainant alleged that Cacho promised to help establish his motor vehicle testing center and demanded P1 million to expedite his application with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
He initially agreed to pay P400,000, leading to the entrapment operation.
During the arrest, authorities recovered:
- P400,000 boodle money
- A caliber .45 Armscor pistol with a magazine loaded with seven rounds
- A caliber .45 1911 pistol with a magazine loaded with ammunition
- An additional eight rounds of ammunition
- Two gun holsters
- Two mobile phones
Authorities are also investigating reports that Cacho had additional PCG personnel working as her bodyguards.
“We will also be looking into who authorized these PCG personnel to moonlight for the suspect,” said Lt. Col. Joey Arandia of the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit.
Wanky described Cacho’s alleged operations as “no ordinary crime”, saying she misrepresented herself as having influence over government contracts.
“Her modus operandi involved presenting herself as someone who could corner government contracts. She promised contractors that with her help, they could bag contracts,” he said.
Authorities suspect that several individuals—including government officials and uniformed personnel—may have sought Cacho’s favors for appointments or promotions.
Wanky encouraged other victims to come forward and file complaints.
On Feb. 12, cases were filed against the suspects:
- Cacho and Leal were charged with swindling (estafa).
- Parpan and Maylan were charged with violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591) and COMELEC Resolution No. 11067 (COMELEC Gun Ban).
