Alcover sued for cyber libel in Marawi over Colon Night Market issue

Local

CEBU City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. is facing 12 counts of cyberlibel filed in Marawi City in connection with his public opposition to the Colon Street Night Market, a case he described as harassment linked to his role as a fiscalizer at City Hall.

Alcover disclosed the complaints during a press conference on Friday, Dec. 19, saying the cases were filed despite the controversy and events being centered in Cebu City.

“Nagpatawag ko ani nga presscon kay disturbing kaayo ang nahitabo karon sa City Hall… pasko pero nakawadat mi ug kaso,” Alcover said.

He added he believes the complaints are meant to pressure or silence council members who question city policies.

The cyberlibel complaints were filed by businessman Ibrahim “Mark” Ala Dianalan Jr., the organizer of the Colon Night Market, before prosecutors in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

Alcover questioned why the cases were lodged outside Cebu, noting that Dianalan has a contract with the Cebu City Government to operate the night market.

“Kini nga kasoha dili komedya. Gi-file ni sa Marawi City, total of 12 counts of cyberlibel,” Alcover said.

He said the complaints stem from his opposition to the establishment of the Colon Street Night Market, which he claimed was implemented without clearance from the General Affairs and Support Services (GASA) Board and without prior approval from the City Council.

“Nidiretso lang si Mayor Nestor Archival ug negotiate ani,” Alcover said, referring to the night market agreement.

Alcover maintained that his statements regarding the project were part of his mandate as a councilor, particularly as a member of the minority bloc.

“This is practically harassment… murag warning ni siya sa akoa ug sa akong mga kauban nga kung magsupak mo, mao ni inyong dangatan,” he said.

Alcover stressed that the City Council has not refused to cooperate with the executive branch, but has instead exercised what he described as “critical collaboration.”

“In a democratic government, we really need an opposition. Kung walay opposition, walay checks and balance,” he said.

Asked whether Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. was involved in the filing of the cyberlibel cases, Alcover said the mayor was not the complainant but claimed it was unlikely that Archival was unaware of the legal action.

“Wala ko muingon nga si Nestor ang nikiha kay si Ibrahim man ang complainant. Pero impossible gyud nga wala siya kabalo ani,” Alcover said.

He added that the cyberlibel cases were not isolated incidents and alleged that he has previously been subjected to actions he attributed to his fiscalizing activities, warning that continued political pressure could ultimately affect ordinary citizens.

Complainant’s allegations

In his sworn affidavit, Dianalan identified himself as a businessman with interests in Marawi City and Metro Cebu and as the lead organizer and chairperson of the Participative Association of Sugbo Vendors Inc. (PASVI), which operates the Colon Street Night Market.

Dianalan said he secured the required permits from the Cebu City Government, paid the necessary fees, and obtained the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod through Resolution No. 17-0588-2025, which authorized the temporary closure of Colon Street for the night market.

He accused Alcover of making false and defamatory online statements questioning his capacity to operate the night market, allegedly through Facebook accounts “Jun Alcover” and “Jun Amigo.”

The posts were reported to the Police Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7, which preserved the content as part of the complaints, according to Dianalan.

Mayor denies involvement

Mayor Archival, in a separate interview, denied any role in the filing of the cyberlibel cases.

“Unsaon pag akoy complainant nga siya may nagdaot ni Mark? Wa gyud,” Archival said.

He added that while he respects public discourse and criticism, he would personally file a complaint if he believed he had been libeled.

“Ako kung naa koy libel case, diretso ko niya. Dili nako kinahanglan lain tawo,” the mayor said.

Related Ombudsman case

The cyberlibel complaints follow an earlier legal action filed by Alcover against the Archival administration over the same night market project.

On October 29, Alcover lodged criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas seeking the preventive suspension of Archival over the alleged illegal operation of the Colon Street Night Market.

The complaints also named City Treasurer Emma Villarete and City Administrator Albert Tan, accusing them of graft, grave misconduct, and gross negligence.

In his 16-page complaint-affidavit, Alcover alleged that the city government “willfully, unlawfully, and with manifest partiality” allowed a private group to manage and profit from the night market without proper authorization, effectively converting a public street into a private commercial venture.(TGP)