Police arrest lawyer Baligod, 14 clients in San Juan

Police arrested lawyer Levito “Levi” Baligod and 14 of his clients, reportedly former bodyguards of fugitive ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, outside the New Hall of Justice in San Juan City on Friday, 16 October.

The arrests stemmed from warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 69 in Iba, Zambales, in connection with charges of unjust vexation under Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The warrants were issued by Presiding Judge Santiago M. Beltran Jr. on 23 September 2026, with bail set at P10,000 for each accused.

Aside from Baligod, police identified those arrested as Johnny Buduan, Rodante Orbillo, Christopher Esquivel, George Villalon Jr., Romeo Rommel Bobares, Gil Navidad Jr., Anselmo Taberdo, Joely Cadiao, Rommel Galapon, Bernard Gumban, Crisanie Dado, Fidel Corpuz, Walter Manalansan and Reyneboy Julian.

According to police, the accused were informed of their constitutional rights in a language they understood.

Authorities also documented the arrests using an alternative recording device.

The arrests came as Baligod and his clients faced separate legal proceedings in San Juan City.