THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a man who allegedly incited violence on social media by encouraging the bombing of Commission on Elections (Comelec) sites in region 7, just a day after the country held its midterm elections on May 12.
In a memorandum dated May 14 from the NBI Central Visayas Regional Office, authorities said they were alerted on the afternoon of May 13 about a Facebook post that read: “5 million reward to BOMB all COMELEC site[s] @highlight.”
The post rapidly gained online traction, with at least 120 shares and several comments, raising alarm among law enforcement and election officials.
The suspect was taken into custody without resistance. During initial questioning, he admitted to publishing the post, though authorities have yet to determine his motives and whether others may have been involved.
The arrest comes amid heightened security measures following the May 12 midterm elections, in which Filipinos cast their votes for senators, congressional representatives, and local officials.
The Comelec, along with law enforcement agencies, has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for election-related violence and disinformation, including that spread online. — Chloe Mari A. Hear
