Teacher who offered Duterte ‘bounty’ freed on bail

OLONGAPO CITY—A public school teacher, who was detained after posting on Twitter a P50-million reward for anybody who could kill President Duterte, was released on Tuesday after posting a P72,000 bail at the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC).

He was greeted by his relatives, his lawyer and leaders of Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT).

Ronnel Mas, 25, of Sta. Cruz town, Zambales province, was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation agents and held at its main office in Manila for eight days on charges of inciting to sedition related to cybercrime and violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713).

Raymond Basilio, ACT secretary general, said the outpouring of support for Mas and the condemnation of the government’s “selective imposition of the law” were “crucial in advancing a democratic and just society.” Judge Richard Paradeza of RTC Branch 72, who issued the order for Mas’ provisional liberty on Monday, has set the teacher’s arraignment and pretrial for May 28. —JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT