Argao Technician Faces Cyber Libel Charges After Arrest Warrant Served
In a recent legal development, a technician from Argao City has been apprehended following the execution of a warrant of arrest related to cyber libel allegations. The incident, which has sparked local attention, occurred on Monday afternoon, February 2, 2026, in Barangay Canbanua, Argao City.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Anthony Sanchez Gesoro, a 33-year-old resident of Barangay Conalum in Argao City, was taken into custody by the Argao Municipal Police Station. The arrest was carried out by the Tracker Team, who served a warrant for three counts of cyber libel under Section 4(c)(4) of the Revised Penal Code. This legal document was issued by Judge Mundlyn Geonzon Misal-Martin of the Regional Trial Court Seventh Judicial Region, Branch 65.
Gesoro is currently detained as authorities process his bail, which is set at P48,000 for each of the three cyber libel counts, totaling a significant amount. The case highlights the increasing scrutiny of online activities under Philippine law.
Defendant's Response and Background
In an interview with Sunstar Superbalita Cebu, Gesoro firmly denied the accusations against him. He expressed confusion over why he was charged with cyber libel, asserting that his social media posts did not mention any specific names. According to Gesoro, the conflict stems from a family dispute involving his sibling's housemate.
He explained that in May, his mother, father, and sibling were summoned to the barangay due to issues with this housemate, who was described as excessively troublesome. The family wanted the housemate to leave their home because of frequent arguments with his sibling. Gesoro admitted to defending his parents in this matter, citing his mother's illness as a reason for supporting the housemate's relocation to reduce household tension.
Social Media Posts Under Scrutiny
Gesoro acknowledged that he made Facebook posts in the previous year containing harsh and indirect language, but he emphasized that no names were explicitly mentioned. One post reportedly commented on the troublesome nature of his sibling's housemate, though Gesoro clarified it was intended as a general remark about gossipy neighbors, not a direct accusation.
He believes the housemate misinterpreted these posts as targeting her, leading to the complaint. Gesoro also mentioned that he encouraged the housemate to leave their home in his posts, without naming her, to resolve the ongoing disturbances. He denied using derogatory terms like "bur_kat" in reference to her.
In his defense, Gesoro stated that one of his posts indicated he would stop being overly kind and adopt a tougher attitude, symbolized by "mur_kat," but he insists this was not directed at the housemate. He feels imprisoned without valid cause due to what he calls wrongful allegations, even though the complainant provided screenshots as evidence.
Gesoro remains perplexed by the warrant's issuance, maintaining his innocence throughout the ordeal. This case underscores the complexities of cyber libel laws in the Philippines and their impact on personal disputes played out online.
