The Philippine National Police (PNP) has disclosed that Malacañang authorized the entrapment operation leading to the arrest of Margarita “Maggie” Cacho, a cousin of First Lady Atty. Liza Cacho Araneta Marcos. Cacho, 65, a resident of Barangay Sabang, Sibunag, Guimaras, and a gubernatorial candidate in the province, was implicated in a swindling case.
Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Director of the Police Regional Office 6, confirmed in an interview with Bombo Radyo Iloilo that the Office of the President was informed about the operation, which was executed by the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Cacho was apprehended at her residence in Barangay Sabang, Sibunag, Guimaras.
Alongside Cacho, authorities arrested her aide, 48-year-old Cayetano Leal from Barangay Misi, Lambunao, Iloilo. Additionally, two Philippine Coast Guard personnel—Apprentice Seaman Marwin Parpan, 31, from Dipolog City, and Seaman Second Class Rico Maylan, 27, from Sandulot, Siaton, Negros Oriental—were detained. Both were assigned in Masbate and reportedly served as Cacho’s security. Authorities confiscated two .45 caliber firearms and ammunition from them.
General Wanky stated that Cacho allegedly exploited her purported close connections to the First Family to defraud victims. In her latest scheme, she allegedly demanded ₱1 million from a victim in exchange for facilitating the approval of a project at Malacañang for a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center–Emission Testing Center under the Department of Transportation. Cacho was arrested after receiving ₱400,000 in marked money during the entrapment operation.
The arrest of Cacho, given her familial ties to the First Lady, underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing corruption, even when it involves individuals connected to the highest levels of government. The operation highlights the PNP’s dedication to upholding the law impartially, regardless of an individual’s status or connections.
This incident also brings attention to the broader issue of individuals leveraging perceived political connections for personal gain. It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and due diligence in governmental processes to prevent such fraudulent activities.
As the legal proceedings against Cacho and her associates unfold, the public will be closely monitoring the case to see how the justice system handles allegations involving individuals with high-profile connections. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for public trust in the government’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability across all levels.
The PNP has assured the public that it will continue to pursue similar operations to apprehend individuals involved in fraudulent activities, regardless of their social or political affiliations. The agency encourages citizens to report any suspicious activities or individuals who may be exploiting their connections for illicit purposes.
In conclusion, the arrest of Margarita “Maggie” Cacho serves as a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ ongoing battle against corruption. It demonstrates the government’s resolve to enforce the law uniformly and reinforces the principle that no one is above the law.