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.
Update: Efforts were made for @rapplerdotcom CEO Maria Ressa to post bail tonight at the Pasay night court. Unfortunately, the judge refused to accept the bail despite having the power to do so under Rule 114 section 17 of the rules of court.
— Sofia Tomacruz (@sofiatomacruz) February 13, 2019
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.
Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa is arrested for cyber libel over an article published 7 years ago https://t.co/xKN6SizbcZ
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) February 13, 2019
[#Philippines] “The issuance of the arrest warrant and the entering of charges against @mariaressa should settle any remaining doubt that Duterte’s admin will stop at nothing to keep a free and inquisitive media out of its way.” #DefendPressFreedomhttps://t.co/RhfcKb8jAL
— SEAPA (@seapa) February 13, 2019
Kill the poor. Detain the critic. Abduct the activists. Jail the journalist. The Philippines is playing authoritarian bingo. #DefendPressFreedom #holdtheline https://t.co/Xks0LYUSzr
— Nicole Curato (@NicoleCurato) February 13, 2019
This post will be updated.
- Republican National Convention Live Coverage Day 2: Land of Opportunity - August 25, 2020
- QUO VADIS: Judge convicts illegal recruiters of MARY JANE VELOSO - February 1, 2020
- ROBREDO: Duterte’s DRUG WAR 99% FAILURE! - January 6, 2020
