MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday condemned the arrest of a 41-year-old salesman in Agusan del Norte for calling President Rodrigo Duterte “buang” (crazy) saying that it was illegal, and added that: “besides, telling the truth is never libelous.”
“I strongly condemn the warrantless arrest of the person who called Duterte ‘buang’ in a social media post. That is clearly illegal and against the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and of expression. Besides, telling the truth is never libelous,” Trillanes, one of Duterte’s fiercest critics, said in a statement.
“I call on the PNP (Philippine National Police) to exercise due restraint and sound judgment in the performance of their duty, especially in these trying times,” he added.
Reynaldo Orcullo from Nasipit town was arrested on Wednesday after criticizing Duterte and his ally Senator Christopher “Bong” Go in a Facebook post. Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., Caraga police director, said Orcullo posted alleged libelous statements, which prompted his arrest for violating Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Police said Orcullo posted: “Alam na pattern, mosalida si Go konuhay siya mohangyo sa buang nga Pangulo, Digong gago. Buang si Digong (We know the pattern, [Sen. Bong] Go would put up a show asking the crazy President. Digong is stupid. Digong is crazy).”
Before this, authorities earlier arrested a teacher in Zambales, a construction worker in Aklan, and a woman in Cebu after they allegedly offered rewards of from P50 million to P100 million for anybody who would kill Duterte.