Inciting to sedition raps filed vs. teacher who tweeted P50-M offer to anyone who could kill Duterte

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a complaint for inciting to sedition against a public high school teacher who posted on social media a purported offer of P50 million to anyone who could kill President Rodrigo Duterte.

Ronnel Mas, a 25-year-old social studies teacher in Zambales, underwent inquest at the Department of Justice in Manila on Tuesday afternoon, NBI chief public information officer Nick Suarez confirmed.

Mas was arrested on Monday over a Twitter post in which he allegedly said "I will give P50 million reward kung sino makakapatay kay Duterte." He has reportedly apologized to the president.

He faces a complaint for inciting to sedition in relation to the anti-cybercrime law as well as for alleged violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.

An inquest is a summary investigation by a prosecutor of people arrested without a warrant. The inquest prosecutor may dismiss the complaint and order the release of the respondent; release the respondent pending preliminary investigation; or file charges in court.

Mas is currently in NBI custody, Suarez told GMA News Online.

Asked about Mas reportedly being questioned without the presence of a lawyer, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he will leave it to the inquest prosecutor.

"I don't have all the facts. In any case, the rights of the person arrested will be respected at all times, including his right to counsel," Guevarra said in a message to reporters. — BM, GMA News