Vlogger nabbed for Marcos ‘headshot’ social media post

National

A VLOGGER from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division on Monday, Oct. 6, for a Facebook post deemed a threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The suspect, identified as Mike Romero, posted an edited photo of the President taken during his visit to earthquake-hit Bogo City, Cebu.

The image showed the word “Bogo” encircled, with a red arrow pointing at Marcos’ head and a caption that read, “Headshot.”

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the post was a clear threat and should be treated as a matter of national security.

“Among shooters and law enforcement agencies, ‘headshot’ means you will be shot in the head. This involves the life of one of the country’s top officials,” he said in a Philstar report.

Santiago emphasized that the NBI has jurisdiction over threats directed at the President and Vice President.

“Any attempt or suggestion to harm either of them falls under our responsibility,” he said.

The bureau is set to file charges of sedition and grave threats against Romero, similar to the case earlier lodged against Vice President Sara Duterte in February over her controversial assassination remarks against Marcos last year.

Romero, however, denied any criminal intent, claiming the post was merely expressing his frustration with the administration’s leadership.

“It’s not about shooting anyone. It was just my way of criticizing the government,” he said in a Philstar report.

He has since edited the post’s caption to read “Tama talaga ang city hall,” claiming it was misinterpreted.

Romero also maintained that he has never owned a firearm or been part of any armed or law enforcement group.

Santiago reminded the public that freedom of expression has limits.

“Everyone has the right to criticize, but once you cross the line into threats or incitement, the law will step in,” he warned.(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)