Northern Mindanao: Northern Mindanao police have launched an investigation into viral online reports of alleged vote-buying, with banknotes stapled to candidates’ names, circulating on social media, a police official said Tuesday. Police Regional Office (PRO) 10 (Northern Mindanao) spokesperson Maj. Joann Navarro stated that PRO-10 director Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman ordered the probe after reports of the practice, locally referred to as “ulan-ulan” (money sprinkling), were received.
According to Philippines News Agency, the police are collaborating with the Anti-Cybercrime Unit to authenticate these social media posts. The region is home to 3.17 million registered voters, including 1.1 million residing in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City.
Authorities have issued warnings that individuals involved in vote-buying or selling may face arrest. However, Maj. Navarro advised caution, noting that these reports could potentially be political propaganda, emphasizing the need for verification first.
