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NBI arrests Jay Sonza for cyberlibel

Philippines | National

NBI arrests Jay Sonza for cyberlibel

By Jeffrey Damicog

photo: Atty. Mark Tolentino Facebook

photo: Atty. Mark Tolentino Facebook

Former broadcast journalistJay Sonza has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for a cyberlibel case in relation to the allegation that he spread fake news about President Marcos' medical condition.

NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag said Sonza was arrested by his men at his residence in Project 8, Quezon CityThursday night, April 30, using an arrest warrant issued by a regional trial court in Pasay City.

“Eto po ay kaugnay sa kaso n’ya ng paglabag ng cyber law natin na may kinalaman po sa pagpapakalat ng maling balita sa atin pong pangulo at paglalabas po ng iba’t ibang peke na balita (This is in connection with charges over violations of the cybercrime law involving the spread of wrong news about the President and other fake news),” said Matibag in a television interview.

The arrest was confirmed by his lawyer Mark Tolentino in a statement after the arrest.

In February, the NBI filed a cyberlibel complaint against Sonza and another vlogger for posting afake medical records of the President.

“Kaya naman po eto ay isang babala po natin doon sa mga taong nagpapakalat ng mga maling balita na kami po sa NBI ay hahabulin po namin ito, (This serves as a warning to those who spread wrong news and that the NBI will run after you),” said Matibag.

Sonza underwent booking procedures and is expected to be presented to the court which issued the arrest warrant on Monday, May 4.

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NBI cyberlibel Jay Sonza

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