PNP ACG Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown vs. Online Libel; 273 Cases Referred, 32 Arrested

From January 1 to May 15, 2026, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) referred a total of 276 cases to prosecution for filing formal charges involving online libel. Furthermore, the Group conducted 32 police operations in the same period, which resulted in the arrest of 32 individuals nationwide. These operations were carried out by different Special Operating Units (SOUs), Regional Anti-Cybercrime Units (RACUs), Provincial and City Cyber Response Teams (PCRTs/CCRTs), and District Anti-Cybercrime Teams (DACTs) of the PNP ACG.

The arrested individuals are facing charges for violation of Section 4(c)(4) of RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), which carries the penalty of prisión correccional maximum to prisión mayor minimum, or imprisonment ranging from four (4) years, two (2) months and one (1) day to eight ( years.

The unlawful or prohibited act of libel under Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175 refers to libel committed through writing or similar means, as defined under Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

Under Article 355, libel is a public and malicious imputation of a crime, vice, defect, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a person, committed by means of writing, printing, lithography, engraving, radio, phonograph, painting, theatrical exhibition, cinematographic exhibition, or any similar means, including those committed through information and communication technology.

When libel is committed through information and communication technology, it is classified as a cybercrime offense and is penalized one degree higher pursuant to RA No. 10175.

PMGEN Wilson C. Asueta, Director of the PNP ACG, lauded the men and women of the PNP ACG for their significant accomplishments and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between law enforcement authorities and the public in combating cybercrime. He stressed that the continuous implementation of anti-cybercrime operations demonstrates the organization’s commitment to ensuring that cybercrime laws are strictly enforced and offenders are held accountable.

The operation supports the directive of PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief of the PNP, to strengthen the implementation of anti-cybercrime laws and intensify efforts against individuals and groups engaged in online criminal activities.