4 Ex-Bodyguards of Former Congressman Zaldy Co Arrested in Cyberlibel Case

MANILA, Philippines — Four former bodyguards of ex-congressman Zaldy Co were arrested in San Juan City on Thursday in connection with a cyberlibel case, police said. Col. Anthony Gantang, San Juan city police station chief, said the four were former members of the Philippine Marines and were among the 18 alleged bodyguards of Co named as respondents in the case. Gantang said the four were arrested at 11:30 a.m. at the San Juan Hall of Justice while attending to a separate case, through a warrant of arrest issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 93 on Sept. 9. The warrants were issued for alleged violation of Section 4(c) of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The four were released after posting bail, police said. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to curb cybercrimes in the Philippines, particularly those involving defamation and online harassment. The targeting of political figures and prominent individuals underscores broader societal concerns regarding the balance between freedom of expression and the protection of individual rights in the digital age.