A man who posted threats on social media against government officials and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been charged with terrorism, according to a report by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The suspect was identified as Gian Carlo Maningo, who is now facing charges under Republic Act 11479 or Anti-Terrorism Act, along with the Cybercrime Prevention Act. According to the investigation, he allegedly posted on his Facebook account a P10 million reward for anyone who kills several government officials.
Those who were threatened by Maningo included Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia. In addition, he also allegedly offered a P5 million reward for anyone who would bomb the Comelec offices.
A court in Mandaue City denied Maningo bail. NBI Director Jaime Santiago said this should serve as a lesson to social media users not to spread threats and fake news.
This type of threat is not only dangerous, but also a serious crime under the law. Authorities remind us that liability does not disappear, even if it is only made online.
