Dong Abay to file libel rap vs US-based Filipino lawyer, journalist

Filipino rock musician Dong Abay on Saturday said he will file a cyber libel case against two US-based Filipinos, lawyer Rodel Rodis and veteran editor-journalist Gemma Nemenzo.

Abay, who’s been based in the Philippines all his life, was named by Rodis and Nemenzo as the alleged Filipino-American “insurrectionist” Trump supporter who, along with other rioters, barged into the US Capitol on January 6 with a walis tambo in hand. 

“This is to inform the public that I'm pursuing a cyber libel case to be administered by a U.S. lawyer against Gemma Nemenzo and Rodel Rodis for spreading fake news,” Abay said on social media on Saturday.

This is to inform the public that I'm pursuing a cyber libel case to be administered by a U.S. lawyer against Gemma Nemenzo and Rodel Rodis for spreading fake news.

— Dong Abay (@dongabay) January 8, 2021

When asked the identity of his American lawyer on FB messenger, Abay said it’s not yet time to give the name. 

The alleged Fil-Am insurrectionist is holding a “walis tambo” (Filipino native whisk broom) and is wearing biker’s helmet with goggles like Captain America. His nose and mouth are covered with a scarf that looked like the inverted US flag.

The “walis tambo” is part of his shield, much like Captain America’s, with the words written on a star symbol at the center: “Coup Flu Fighter, LA 1807.”

Around it are the words: “Extremist groups = coup; Mail-in fraud = coup; False media = coup; Pandemic hoax = coup.”

Because no one can see his face, he was later labeled by netizens as the “Walis Man.”

In a since deleted post, Nemenzo cited Abay as the Filipino-American in the photo, from which Rodis based his accusation.

Rodis has since apologized to Abay, as activists and musician friends with cooler heads tried to mediate.

On January 8, Rodis reposted “Walis Man” on his Facebook account with the caption: "The original FB post I saw which caused me to ask for the identity of this ‘Filipino Trump supporter’. My friend, Gemma Nemenzo, responded that it was Dong Abay. So I posted his name. My apologies to Dong Abay. It was a photoshopped picture which the Manila Bulletin and Esquire Philippines originally posted.”

The two news sources didn’t name Dong Abay in their respective reports.

Known for his sarcastic and witty social media posts, Abay said on social media Saturday: “I don't f__king care if you're an immigration lawyer or a privileged Filipino-American because I'm a rockstar. #boomer #boomerang”

I don't fucking care if you're an immigration lawyer or a priveleged Filipino-American because I'm a rockstar. #boomer #boomerang

— Dong Abay (@dongabay) January 9, 2021

Rodis and Nemenzo are senior citizens, or those who belong to the Baby Boomer generation.

Among Abay’s supporters who encouraged and cheered him on to pursue the case were fellow rock stars Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar, lead guitarist Tirso Ripoll of Razorback, Cookie Chua of Color It Red and Kowboy Santos.

Meanwhile, like a superhero, the real identity of “Walis Man” remains a mystery.

— LA, GMA News