Maria Ressa thanks supporters after night in NBI custody

Rappler CEO and editor-in-chief Maria Ressa, who was arrested late Wednesday afternoon on cyber libel charges, expressed gratitude to her supporters after spending the night in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Ressa was looking cheerful in a photo posted by her news website after her camp posted bail on Thursday morning for her release.

"Finally out. Thank you for your support!" the caption read.

The embattled veteran journalist has rallied fellow members of the press and public to "hold the line."

Finally out. Thank you for your support! #HoldTheLine pic.twitter.com/EOHTmx0i12

— Maria Ressa (@mariaressa) February 14, 2019

The NBI on Wednesday arrested Ressa for cyber libel over an article published on the news website in 2012.

Her bail was not filed immediately as NBI agents served the arrest warrant against Ressa inside Rappler headquarters in Pasay City late in the afternoon.

Before going into detention, Ressa told reporters that her lawyers are determined to file a motion for reconsideration.

She also described the issuance of the warrant as a "travesty of justice" at a timing that was "questionable" and "suspicious."

The move had likewise been slammed as an attack on press freedom by local and foreign journalists, as well as several politicians and human rights advocates.

Responding to the criticism, Presidential spokesman Secretary Salvador Panelo remarked that Ressa should focus on her legal defense instead of accusing the administration of harassment.