Sedition complaint filed vs Army captain-turned-vlogger ‘Dado’
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) filed a complaint for inciting to sedition on Wednesday with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Clemente Enrique, also known as Dado, a former member of the Philippine Army.
CIDG Chief Brig. Gen. Nicholas Torre III stated that Enrique is facing a complaint for violating Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code, or Inciting to Sedition, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
“When I was Regional Director of Davao, during the hunt for [Pastor Apollo] Quiboloy, siya yung nanawagan na ang mga lahat ng mga pulis at sundalo ay sumurender sa local government na naka-unload ang mga barrel, naka point downwards, at iabandona na ang trabaho,” Torre told reporters.
(When I was the Regional Director of Davao during the hunt for Quiboloy, he was the one who called on all police and soldiers to surrender to the local government with their firearms unloaded, barrels pointed downwards, and to abandon their duties.)
He added that Enrique also made a public call to help topple the government.
“Kasama sa kanyang binabanggit na gusto niyang pabagsakin ang gobyerno. So, you know, in a democracy, lahat naman may karapatan mag-express ng kanilang mga hinaing; that’s the beauty of democracy, pwede kang mag-express ng iyong opinion. However, there are limitations it should be made within the bounds of the law,” said Torre.
Article continues after this advertisement(He also mentioned his intention to overthrow the government. You know, in a democracy, everyone has the right to express their grievances; that’s the beauty of democracy—you can voice your opinions. However, there are limitations, and it should be done within the bounds of the law.)
Article continues after this advertisementTorre said Enrique had several social media accounts where his broadcasts were posted.
“Patuloy maraming YouTube account ang ginagamit niya at may mga nag-re-share at mga nag-host din ng kanyang blog,” Torre said.
(He continues to use multiple YouTube accounts, with others resharing and hosting his blog as well.)
But Torre clarified that the PNP is not discouraging the public from expressing their sentiments against the government.
“Hindi natin nire-repress, hindi natin dini-discourage Hindi natin sinusupress Ang pag-express ng opinion kahit kontra pa yan sa posisyon ng gobyerno, ang sinasabi lang natin is that it should be done within the bounds of the law,” Torre said.
(We are not repressing, discouraging, or suppressing the expression of opinions, even if they oppose the government’s position. What we’re emphasizing is that it should be done within the bounds of the law.)
READ: Duterte to Gordon: Inciting to sedition? File a case and I’ll sue you too