In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) apprehended a gubernatorial candidate, Maggie Cacho, along with three others, in an entrapment operation in Sibunag, Guimaras on February 11, 2025. The operation was initiated following a complaint from a businessman who was allegedly defrauded by Cacho.
During a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III revealed that Cacho, who claimed to be closely related to the First Family, had promised to secure a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) emission testing project with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for a fee ranging from PHP800,000 to PHP1 million. The businessman had already paid an advance of PHP400,000 on September 26, 2024, but Cacho failed to deliver on her promise. She later demanded an additional PHP400,000 to expedite the project.
Upon discovering that Cacho had no connection with the DOTr, the businessman turned to the CIDG for help, leading to the arrests. Alongside Cacho, her secretary Cayetano Leal and two Philippine Coast Guard members, who were acting as her bodyguards, were also detained. The operation also resulted in the seizure of two caliber pistols from the bodyguards, which is a violation of the election gun ban.
CIDG Director Torre emphasized that Cacho had been engaging in such fraudulent activities since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration began. The CIDG is currently working with the Philippine Coast Guard to determine the status of the arrested coast guard personnel.
Torre encouraged the public to report any instances of swindling and other criminal activities, assuring that the CIDG would take appropriate action.