Caloocan rep’s staff stole Comelec files?

MANILA, Philippines – Caloocan police arrested alleged supporters of 1st district Rep. Oscar “Oca” Malapitan for stealing files from a local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office on Wednesday, May 8, the Manila Times reported.

Comelec officials decided to call the police and seal off the exits upon noticing that important documents were missing in the office.

Police detained Kathleen Catalan, Kristine Losantas Desierto, Penny Lou Verzosa, and Carmencita Simon, the deputy chief of staff of Malapitan who were last seen at the office where the files were located.

The files contained computerized voters’ list said, PO3 Eduardo Ronquillo, a case officer.

Other supporters of Malapitan rushed to the Comelec office upon hearing their comrades were being held up by officials.

Rising tensions between the supporters and officials, forced the local police to mobilize a SWAT team and move the 4 suspects to Caloocan Police Headquarters.

The suspects claim to have requested to verify the names of voters on the Comelec list. Caloocan election lawyers said that only Comelec election officers are authorized to handle the list.

Malapitan’s camp could not be reached as of posting time. – Rappler.com