Man linked to Capitol threat arrested for libel

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities arrested a 78-year-old man wanted for libel at the Cottage Road Hall of Justice in Barangay 9 on Thursday, a day after he allegedly caused a disturbance and made a threat at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.

According to a report from the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), the suspect, identified as alias “John” of Barangay 1, was served with an arrest warrant for four counts of libel under Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code.

The warrant was issued by a Regional Trial Court in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, with the court setting bail at PHP 40,000 for his provisional liberty.

PRO-NIR did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the libel case.

Prior to the service of the arrest warrant, the suspect reportedly appeared at the Provincial Administrator’s Office on Wednesday and demanded the withdrawal of a document he had previously submitted.

He also reportedly looked for Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, who was not present at the time because he was attending regular meetings.

A staff member refused to release the document because the suspect failed to present a receiving copy needed to retrieve it.

This allegedly irked the suspect, prompting him to reportedly make a shooting threat that alarmed employees and building security personnel.

Following the incident, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson ordered the suspension of work in provincial government offices that afternoon to ensure the safety of employees.

Police promptly undertook security and investigative measures following the reported threat.

The alleged grave threat remains under investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and whether additional charges may be warranted.

In a media interview Thursday, Lacson said that although the threat was directed at a particular individual, the provincial government prioritized the safety of all employees.

He said officials were checking security protocols and reviewing measures covering visitors entering and leaving the Capitol premises.

“We don’t know if he will really do it. You don’t answer by threatening a person as it scared the employees,” the governor added.

Lacson said he would leave the decision on whether to file a case to the person involved.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, PRO-NIR director, emphasized that the police organization would continue to act swiftly on threats to public safety while strictly observing the rule of law and due process.

Reales formally assumed command of PRO-NIR on Sept. 7, succeeding Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño.