Dumarao mayor files nine cyberlibel complaints over Facebook posts

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Dumarao Mayor Mateo “Matt” Hachuela filed nine counts of cyberlibel against a constituent over Facebook posts allegedly maligning him and his family.

Hachuela appeared before the Capiz Provincial Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, to file the complaints against the person allegedly operating a Facebook account under the name “Yol Castro.”

The mayor accused the account holder of repeatedly posting malicious statements against him and his family.

According to Hachuela, the person behind the Facebook account is a resident of Dumarao and is close to his family.

He said his family initially ignored the Facebook posts but eventually decided to pursue legal action because of the continued publication of what he described as unfounded and malicious allegations that damaged their reputation.

Hachuela said he was open to criticism as mayor and a public servant but believed the posts had gone too far because they involved personal matters and targeted his family.

The mayor also expressed suspicion that other individuals, possibly motivated by politics, were behind the posts.

Meanwhile, Hachuela said his wife and daughter also plan to pursue legal action against the person behind the “Yol Castro” account.

His daughter is the incumbent vice mayor of Dumarao.

Cyberlibel is punishable under Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which covers libel committed through a computer system, including social media platforms.