DOJ lauds raps vs. netizen who posted bomb threat
CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has lauded the swift filing of criminal charges against Gian Carlo Dela Cruz Maningo, also known as Gian Maningo, following his arrest for allegedly issuing bomb threats and inciting violence through social media.
Maningo, 38, a resident of Casili Hills Subdivision in Mandaue City, was arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas (NBI-7) last May 14.
He is accused of posting a public message on Facebook offering a ?10-million reward for the killing of several public officials and ?5 million for anyone who would bomb all Commission on Elections (Comelec) sites.
The post included images of Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia. Authorities said the message was intended to provoke fear, intimidate officials, and disrupt the electoral process.
The post reportedly remained visible online from May 5, 2025, and continued to circulate during and after the national elections. It was shared over 120 times, raising alarm among law enforcement agencies and election authorities.
The DOJ confirmed the filing of criminal charges for Violation of Section 4 of Republic Act No. 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020) and Presidential Decree No. 1727 (Unlawful Use of Bomb Threats), both in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
Prosecutors found prima facie evidence to proceed and recommended no bail due to the seriousness of the charges. The case is now docketed before the Regional Trial Court of Mandaue City, 7th Judicial Region, as of May 26.
During his arrest, NBI agents recovered a mobile phone used to make the social media post.
Maningo, who is under in NBI-7 custody, admitted in an earlier interview that he authored the post but showed no remorse, claiming the Comelec should be dismantled.
“Dapat kanang Comelec hagbay ra unta na silay panirado... Dapat demolish na unta nang Comelec," Maningo said, further denying drug use and stating he was simply angered by the electoral agency.
The arrest came after a formal complaint filed by Comelec-7 regional director Francisco Pobe, prompting DOJ Undersecretary Nicolas Felix Ty to endorse the case for investigation.
NBI director Jaime Santiago has ordered the NBI-7 to initiate a full-blown investigation due to the gravity of the threats.
The suspect underwent inquest proceedings last May 15 at the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office and executed a waiver of detention under Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code.
If convicted, Maningo faces up to 12 years imprisonment for inciting to commit terrorism, and five years with a fine of up to ?40,000 under the bomb threat law. BRP (CEBU NEWS)
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