27/05/2026
276 CASES, 32 ARRESTS LOGGED IN NATIONWIDE PNP DRIVE VS ONLINE LIBEL
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) has intensified its nationwide operations against online libel, referring a total of 276 cases for prosecution and arresting 32 individuals from January 1 to May 15, 2026.
The operations, carried out by different Special Operating Units and regional, provincial, city, and district cyber response teams of the PNP ACG, covered coordinated enforcement actions across the country. These efforts are part of the continuing campaign against violations of Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The arrested individuals are facing charges for online libel, which under existing law refers to the public and malicious imputation of a crime, vice, defect, or any act or circumstance that may cause dishonor or discredit when committed through information and communication technology. Such acts are penalized under the Cybercrime Prevention Act with a penalty one degree higher than traditional libel under the Revised Penal Code.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., reminded the public of the importance of responsible digital behavior, stressing that law enforcement will continue to act decisively against violations while upholding rights and due process.
“Ang social media ay isang makapangyarihang instrumento ng komunikasyon, ngunit kaakibat nito ang pananagutan. The PNP will remain firm in enforcing the law habang tinitiyak natin na ang karapatan ng bawat isa ay nirerespeto,” he said.
The sustained nationwide operations support the PNP Focused Agenda through Enhanced Managing Police Operations and are aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen law enforcement efforts against cyber-enabled crimes and other illegal online activities.
The PNP ACG assured that similar operations will continue nationwide as part of its commitment to safer online communities, in line with Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)
