Man nabbed over threat to bomb Comelec offices

Local

A 38-YEAR-OLD man from Mandaue City is facing criminal charges after publicly offering a P5-million reward to anyone who would bomb all Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices across the country.

Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas (NBI-7) arrested Gian Carlo dela Cruz Maningo at his residence in Casili Hills Subdivision on May 14, 2025, following an investigation into a Facebook post he allegedly published under the account name “Gi Maningo.”

The post, uploaded on May 5, promised a P5-million bounty for anyone who could carry out the bombings. It went viral, gaining more than 100 reactions and at least 120 shares amid heightened tensions in the lead-up to the May 13 midterm elections.

NBI 7 Regional Director Atty. Rennan Augustus Oliva confirmed the identity of the account owner and stressed the gravity of the threat, calling it a serious risk to public safety.

When questioned, Maningo did not deny writing the post and showed no remorse, telling investigators he felt no regret.

He also said he wanted all Comelec offices shut down, explaining that he believed Comelec should have been closed long ago due to pending Supreme Court cases but continued to operate.

Maningo insisted he was sober and only angry at the Comelec.

The NBI-7 noted that he showed resistance and anger during his arrest. Investigators are still checking if he had accomplices.

The NBI-7 charged Maningo under Presidential Decree No. 1727 for willful bomb threats and Section 9 of Republic Act 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act) for inciting terrorism, in connection with the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The Department of Justice referred the case to NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago, who immediately ordered a full investigation. Comelec Central Visayas Director Atty. Francisco Pobe formally requested the probe after the threat surfaced.

Authorities confiscated the mobile phone Maningo used to post the threat. NBI is working to remove the posts from social media.

Maningo remains detained at the NBI Central Visayas Regional Office as the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office prepares legal proceedings against him.(MyTVCebu)