‘Diwata’ released from police custody after posting bail

MANILA, Philippines — Social media personality and food vlogger “Diwata,” whose real name is Deo Jarito Balbuena, was granted temporary freedom after posting P3,000 bail shortly after his arrest on Tuesday afternoon.

“On the same day, at around noon, after posting bail, the accused was immediately released by authorities,” the Southern Police District (SPD) said in a statement on Thursday.

READ: Cops arrest social media personality Diwata for slight physical injuries

The 42-year-old TikToker, who came into prominence for his street food stall “Diwata Pares Overload,” was arrested by authorities for physical injuries.

Based on a report from the Pasay police, Balbuena’s apprehension stemmed from an arrest warrant issued by Presiding Judge Allan Ariola of Pasay City Metropolitan Trial Court dated October 2, 2018, with a recommended bail of P3,000.

According to police records, the incident involving Diwata and a construction worker named Rogelio Magallanes occurred on May 5, 2018.

Police said Magallanes was resting under the bridge on Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City when Balbuena arrived and “caused a commotion” within the area.

The report said their confrontation escalated, allegedly prompting the 42-year-old social media personality to hit Magallanes’ head with a bamboo stick.

Magallanes then suffered injuries on his head and filed a complaint at the city prosecutor’s office.