FOR posting on social media a photo of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. captioned with the word “Headshot,” a local vlogger was arrested for allegedly inciting to sedition under Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code.
Identified via his social media account as “Mike Romero, the vlogger said to be from Pagadian City was arrested by operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation-Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD).
His arrest stemmed from a viral post he allegedly made on Facebook on Wednesday, Oct. 8, where he put the photo of the President during a visit in the earthquake-stricken Bogo City located in Central Philippines. A red arrow was put from the word Bogo pointing toward the head of the President and the caption stated ‘Headshot.’
Authorities from the National Bureau of Investigation under its chief, Jaime Santiago, described the action as a veiled threat directed against President Marcos.
The NBI nabbed the vlogger for inciting to sedition and making a grave threat, both of which are criminal offenses punishable by at least six years imprisonent.
Santiago, in reaction, said that while vloggers have a right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression, there are parameters to them.
“When it comes to threats or any attempt on the president or vice president… we enter into the picture. To shooters and law enforcement agencies, when you say ‘headshot’ it means you would be shot in the head,” Santiago said, adding that the bureau took the said issue seriously because it is a threat to the life of the President.
