Cyber-libel case filed anew vs. Baskog broadcasters

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A cyber-libel case was filed anew against a broadcaster couple from Baskog Radyo-Roxas.

Charges for violating Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, were filed by Sigma, Capiz, Sangguniang Bayan member Dan Justin Eslabon against broadcasters India and Jay Lavapiez recently before the National Prosecution Service, Office of the City Prosecutor in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila.

The prosecution office scheduled mediation proceedings on March 31, 2026, and the subpoena was signed by Mediation Prosecutor Ma. Jessel Libriaga.

Earlier, police arrested a female radio commentator on Wednesday afternoon, March 11, on four counts of cyber libel filed by the mayor of Sigma, Capiz.

The Sigma police served the warrant of arrest against India Lavapiez, also known as Mamang India of Baskog Radyo, at the radio station on Roxas Avenue here.

The complaint was filed by incumbent Sigma Mayor Dante Rizal Eslabon before the City Prosecutor’s Office in Manila.

Eslabon was identified in the complaint as a resident of Balagtas Street, Malate, Manila.

The warrant of arrest was issued after the Manila investigating prosecutor found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict Lavapiez on four counts of violating Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in connection with her radio broadcast and Facebook Live posts on March 17, April 1 and 2, and Sept. 3, 2025.

Lavapiez’s co-accused and husband, Jay, was cleared due to insufficient evidence.

Police brought Lavapiez to the Sigma Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Lavapiez has yet to issue a comment to the Daily Guardian.