Edgardo “Gary” Libunao, a reporter at DZCV-Filipinas Radio Broadcasting Network, stands for a mugshot after he was arrested for two counts of libel in Gonzaga, Cagayan on Friday. Photo from Gonzaga PNP
TUGUEGARAO CITY — A 64-year-old radio broadcaster was arrested for two counts of libel on Friday, July 15, in Gonzaga town in Cagayan province, police said Saturday.
Police Major Gary Macadangdang, Gonzaga police chief, said in a phone interview on Saturday that Edgardo “Gary” Libunao, a reporter at DZCV-Filipinas Radio Broadcasting Network, was collared by police armed with an arrest warrant at 8:30 p.m. in his house in Paradise village.
The arrest warrant was issued by Aparri Regional Trial Court Branch 6 Judge Neljoe Cortes.
Macadangdang said he was not aware about the complainant and the details of the libel charges against Libunao as “the person possibly filed a direct complaint before the court and the complainant did not course through before us.”
The police chief said Libunao has been under police custody as he could not file the P60,000 bail bond for each count or P120,000 for both counts of libel docketed under Criminal Cases No. II-16380 and II-16381 on July 14.
Libunao could not be reached for an interview as he was still detained.
The case was lodged by couple Reginald and Marvilyn Somera, former councilors and entrepreneur, amid the alleged unfounded personal attacks and charges against them during the May elections.
The details were not discussed and the couple has been indisposed for comments.