MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) heeded the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) advice to provide additional documents as evidence in its complaint against blogger Drew Olivar.
NCRPO Chief, Director Guillermo Eleazar, said they have already requested the Philippine National Police – Anti Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) for a certification that the internet protocol (IP) address used by Olivar in posting the message on his social media account has been deleted.
“We went to DOJ to consult with the prosecutor para sa kasong ifa-file natin (for the case that we will file) and we were advised na meron tayong idadagdag na dokumento (we have to provide an additional document) in particular, yung internet protocol address yung hinahanap (is what they are looking for) and possibly, na-delete na ito ni Drew noong magsampa ng kaso (it was already deleted by Drew when the case was filed). But accordingly, we can get certification from the ACG of the PNP na na-delete na ito at ito na ang pagbabasihan para matuloy na ang kasong ito (that it was deleted and this will be the basis to pursue the case),” Eleazar said.
He clarified that the complaint was not rejected.
“For formality, para makumpleto lang (just for it to be complete). But in the absence of that, (the certification coming from the ACG will do),” he added.
Eleazar said they expect to get the certification from the ACG by Sept. 26 or 27.
Asked on whether Olivar erased the IP address because he is guilty, Eleazar replied, “Depende na yun sa kanyang magiging depensa at depende sa approach ng prosecutor (It will be up to his defense and will also depend on the prosecutor’s approach).”
On Tuesday, the DOJ refused to accept the criminal complaint filed by the NCRPO against Olivar due to insufficient documents.
Olivar is accused of violating Section 1 of Presidential Decree No. 1727, which prohibits malicious dissemination of false information or the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2010.
On his Facebook post on Friday, the blogger warned protesters planning to gather along Epifanio delos Santos Ave. of a possible bombing similar to the blast in Plaza Miranda in 1971 where several people were killed and injured.
Olivar, together with Communication Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson, appeared in a press conference on Saturday at the NCRPO headquarters in Taguig and apologized for his act.
Olivar earlier drew flak after he was seen mimicking the sign language and making sounds in an apparent imitation of mute people in a video that went viral on social media. (PNA)
