Cebu broadcaster in hot water

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group disclosed on Sunday that its operatives arrested a Cebu City broadcaster for allegedly spreading defamatory or libelous remarks against a business corporation on his online radio program.

PNP ACG chief Brig. Gen. Joel Doria said that the broadcaster — identified as Arnold Bustamante, a radio broadcaster — was arrested after allegedly bad-mouthing and defaming a business corporation by faulting their product as fake and harmful to the public on his radio program.

"This incident prompted the company to file a case of libel against the broadcaster," said Doria, adding that the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit in Central Visayas led by Col. Ferdinand Raymundo launched "Oplan Tracker" and successfully served the warrant of arrest against the broadcaster.

Cebu's Regional Trial Court Branch 11 presiding judge Ramon Daomilas Jr. issued the warrant of arrest on 22 September and recommended a bail bond of P10,000.

Bustamante was charged with violation of Section 4 (c) of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

He is now under custody of RACU-7 for booking and documentation prior to turning over to the issuing court for proper disposition.

"I commend the efforts of the operating teams in the successful police operations leading to the arrest of wanted persons in the Central Visayas Region," Doria said.