(Eagle News) – Rappler’s CEO Maria Ressa was served an arrest warrant late Wednesday afternoon by the National Bureau of Investigation agents for a cyber libel case.
Rappler, in a tweet, said that the NBI agents served the arrest warrant at around 5 p.m.
Rappler also tweeted that they were prevented by the NBI agents from taking a video while the arrest warrant was being served.
Chay Hofilena, head of Rappler’s Investigative Desk, said that the serving of the arrest warrant surprised them.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Hofileña said that the arrest warrant dated February 12, 2019 was being served for a cyber libel case filed against Ressa.
“It’s a legal order, so she will comply,” she said.
“We will follow legal procedures,” Hofileña added
As of posting time, Ressa is seen coming out of the Rappler office to go with the NBI arresting party.
Hofileña said that the cyber libel case is bailable.
In a tweet, Rappler said that Ressa described the indictment as “evidence that the law has been weaponized.”
Ressa also told reporters who flocked to the Rappler office that “it is possible” that she will be posting bail tonight.
The cyber libel case arose out of a story published by Rappler and written by former researcher and writer Reynaldo Santos in May 2012. A businessman named in the article first complained with the NBI in October 2017.
The arrest warrant against Ressa was signed by Manila Regional Trial Court judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa.
