MANILA- The Philippine National Police trust that their police acted for good reason when they arrested online critics of President Rodrigo Duterte, spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac maintained.
“The police conduct themselves based on evidence gathered. We presume there was regularity in their act. Every time they would perform their duty, they would have to explain themselves before the court also,” Banac told CNN Philippines’ The Source. He added, “If found that they have violated rules, then they would have to face consequences of their act. As always, the police conduct themselves in a normal fashion.”
Several social media posts declaring bold threats to Duterte’s life have caught the attention of the authorities. They were also critical of Senator Bong Go’s constant presence in Malacañang despite being elected as a legislator in the upper chamber. At least four people have been arrested by police for such online posts.
Charging them with cybercrime and sedition complaints, the police made an example of a teacher in Zambales, a habal-habal driver in Boracay, and a 26-year-old woman in Cebu to warn people about writing malicious posts made on social media. Authorities also arrested salesman Reynaldo Orcullo in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte for his post insinuating that Go always makes a “scripted request” to the President to address national issues, while describing Duterte as stupid and crazy.
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno and many other groups have questioned the PNP’s moves, emphasizing the freedom of speech provided by the Constitution.
