Lawyers’ group hits Cebu artist’s arrest over Facebook post

MANILA, Philippines — A group of lawyers has called out the Philippine National Police (PNP) for arresting people over their social media posts without securing warrants from the courts.

Jose Manuel Diokno of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) cited the arrest of Cebu-based artist Ma. Victoria Beltran on April 19 after she posted on Facebook that Barangay Zapatera in Cebu City “is now the epicenter” of the  coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) “in the whole solar system.”

”The recent wave of warrantless arrests for allegedly spreading fake news is deplorable because it tramples on one of our most cherished freedoms – the freedom to speak freely. The arrests are also dangerous because they are the product of unbridled discretion of police,” Diokno said.

“Ms. Beltran’s post is not fake news, but satire... While it may have offended local authorities, it is protected speech,” he added.

Media entities in Cebu reported on April 16 that 53 residents of Sitio Zapatera tested positive for COVID-19.  

Cebu City health officer Daisy Villa was quoted as saying that the isolation of infected persons in Sitio Zapatera is not necessary because “the entire sitio had been considered infected.”

Police said Beltran was apprehended for spreading “fake news.”

Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella reportedly reposted Beltran’s article, which he described “a criminal act” even as he warned the artist that the PNP cybercrime “will catch you soon.”

”Sure enough, some 10 hours later, shortly after midnight of April 19, police operatives went to Ms. Beltran’s home and arrested her without a warrant,” Diokno said.

In Cagayan, police arrested a certain Lyzander Estocapio for calling police officers manning quarantine checkpoints in Barangay Alabiao, Tuao as “dumb.”

Estocapio commented on a Facebook post of a certain Shiela Dizon Asunsion criticizing police officers manning checkpoints.

Capt. Ferdinand Datul, Tuao police chief, said Estocapio’s statement undermined the sacrifice of law enforcers.