22/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE | NBI, CICC, AND PCO CONDUCT JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE ON COMPLAINT INVOLVING ALLEGED ONLINE INCITEMENT AND CYBER-RELATED OFFENSES AGAINST ATTY. HAROLD RESPICIO
PASAY CITY, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), together with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) represented by Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso, and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) represented by Undersecretary Precious Hipolito-Castelo, conducted a joint press conference regarding the filing of a complaint affidavit against lawyer and social media personality Harold “Homer” Respicio, who also serves as Vice Mayor of Reina Mercedes, Isabela for alleged violations involving inciting to sedition, inciting to rebellion, unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances, as well as possible cyber-related offenses.
During the press conference, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said that CICC Undersecretary Paraiso executed the complaint affidavit with the support of the Presidential Communications Office and was subsequently transmitted to the NBI for appropriate investigation, case build-up, and evidentiary assessment prior to the filing of appropriate charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Atty. Melvin Matibag emphasized that Harold Respicio will be afforded due process and will be subpoenaed by the Bureau to explain his side and answer the allegations contained in the complaint affidavit.
Undersecretary Paraiso thanked the NBI for its prompt action and coordination on the matter and stressed that the initiative forms part of the continuing collaboration between the CICC and the PCO in monitoring online activities, particularly social media statements and posts allegedly encouraging hatred against the government or inciting violence among the public.
The officials clarified that the government’s actions are not intended to suppress freedom of expression or curtail legitimate dissent. However, they emphasized that freedom of speech carries corresponding responsibilities, and expressions that allegedly go beyond lawful and protected speech and may constitute incitement to violence, rebellion, sedition, or other cyber-related offenses may give rise to criminal liability under existing laws.
The CICC further reminded the public to exercise responsibility and discernment in using social media platforms such as Facebook, Meta, TikTok, and other online channels, particularly in posting, sharing, and reacting to content online.
Officials also underscored the importance of respecting the rights of others and maintaining responsible online conduct amid the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping public discourse.
The NBI confirmed that all pieces of digital evidence related to the complaint have been preserved and are currently undergoing proper forensic and legal evaluation as part of the Bureau’s ongoing investigation.
The Bureau likewise reiterated that every constitutional right carries a corresponding duty and responsibility, and that abuse of such rights in violation of existing laws may subject individuals to criminal and other legal consequences.
