NBI arrests Jay Sonza in QC over cyberlibel raps

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended Jay Sonza on Thursday night in Project 8, Quezon City.

Sonza was ordered arrested by a Pasay City court in relation to a cyberlibel charge against him, according to GMA News’ John Consulta.

NBI director Melvin Matibag said the charge is related to Sonza’s alleged act of spreading of fake news about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Na-aresto na po natin itong si Jay Sonza na na-issuehan na po ng warrant ng RTC ng Pasay kaninang hapon,” Matibag said.

(We arrested Jay Sonza who was issued an arrest warrant by the Regional Trial Court of Pasay City this afternoon.)

“Ito po ay kaugnay po sa kaso nya ng paglabag nya ng cyberlaw natin na may kinalaman po sa pagpapakalat ng maling balita tungkol sa atin pong Pangulo, paglalabas po ng iba’t ibang peke na balita,” he added.

(This is in relation to his case of violating our cyberlaw regarding the spread of fake news about our President, the posting of various fake news.)

The charge is a non-bailable offense, the NBI chief said.

“Ito’y isang babala na rin po natin doon sa mga taong nagpapakalat ng balita, na kami po sa NBI ay hahabulin namin ito at ito nga pong kaso niyang ito ay no bail po ito at ito po ay ipoprocess at dadalhin natin sa korte na kung sinong nag issue ng kanya pong warrant of arrest,” Matibag said.

(This is also a warning to those who are spreading fake news, that we in the NBI will run after them. This case has no bail recommended and this will be processed, and we will bring him to the court that issued the warrant of arrest against him.)

Upon his arrest, Sonza said he would go through the process, adding that the NBI had a copy of the arrest warrant against him.

“I was ready to post my bail kanina, kaya lang wala pang warrant kanina eh (I was ready to post my bail earlier, but there was no warrant yet), so I am surprised they have a warrant tonight,” he told GMA News.

“And it was supposed to be a bailable, nakalagay dito (it says here), non-bailable. You know the process,” Sonza said, adding: “We go through the process naman eh.”

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Sonza’s counsel Atty. Mark Tolentino said they are now en route to the NBI in Pasay City to ensure that Sonza’s rights will be respected, especially that he is a senior citizen.

“Hindi namin palalagpasin ang anumang paglabag. Babantayan namin ang bawat hakbang. Aaksyon kami kung kinakailangan,” Tolentino said, adding that he will post updates as soon as able.

(We will not allow any abuse. We will keep a close eye on each step, and we will act if needed.) — JMA, GMA News