Broadcaster jailed for cyber libel raps

A RADIO commentator in Iligan City was arrested by authorities after he was charged with a cyber libel case by a mayoralty candidate in the area Wednesday.

Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) Director Police Col. Dominador Estrada identified the suspect as Eleno Bacus, Jr., a.k.a. “Jun Bacus,” a resident of Zone Neptune 1, Suarez of the said city.

Joe Pantoja, Iligan City Information Officer said, Bacus, is running for a city councilor under the current Mayor Celso Regencia who is also running for a congressman.

While the complainant was identified as Leo Zaragoza, a lawyer by profession and a former Iligan City Administrator. He is currently running for city mayor.

A court Judge slapped Bacus with P240,000 for the four counts cases.

A government media personality in the area had informed Mindanao Gold Star Daily that the suspect is now free after posting the said bail amount.

Bacus, aside from being a broadcaster, is also the station manager of radio Bandera FM located at Marieta building, Quezon Avenue, of the same city.

He anchored a program ‘Lampurnas’ every morning.

Estrada said that tracker team from the police unit led by Police Lt. Sedrix Mag-abo, Deputy Station Commander for Admin/Operation under the supervision of Police Major Marvin Cajegas Officer-In-Charge, arrested Bacus at the said radio station at 8:21 am.

Pantoja said, as a commentator and a candidate he can not avoid expressing his political view and eventually hit his opponents.

Judge Silvestre Orejana, Jr., of the Regional Trial Court-Branch 5, 10th Judicial Region, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, issued the warrant of arrest and recommended Bacus of P60,000 per count in violation with Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175).

In the Philippines, if one is convicted of cybercrime law, the accused will be jailed for 12 years.