Social News Network Rappler CEO Maria Ressa arrested for cyber libel

Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler appearing on the cover of Time’s People (Person) of the Year
Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler appearing on the cover of Time’s People (Person) of the Year

Culled from the online news portal itself, Rappler reports agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa early Wednesday evening, February 13.

The arrest was done in connection with a cyber libel case filed by the justice department.

NBI officers in civilian clothes went to the Rappler headquarters and served the warrant of arrest around the hour of 5 0’clock in the afternoon.

The warrant was issued Tuesday, February 12, by Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio Montesa of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46.

Rappler reports that efforts were made for the CEO to post bail at the Pasay night court. Despite having the power to accept the bail, unfortunately the judge refused to accept even as she is empowerd to act on it with dispatch following Rule 114 section 17 of the rules of court.

Twitter went a-buzz on perceived harassment move at muzzling the media.

This post will be updated.

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