A network of digital advocates urged the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to investigate the threat sent to an impeachment prosecutor.
In a letter sent to CICC, Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo requested for the investigation after House Impeachment Prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon receieved a message through messenger app from an account named “Ton Celestial”, which was later identified to be an incumbent councilor of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.
“While we should respect where people stand regarding the impeachment proceedings, threatening an impeachment prosecutor, or anyone else for that matter, is unacceptable. What’s more deplorable is that the threat came from a government official. This kind of action should not be tolerated.”
Gustilo urged the CICC to coordinate with the law enforcement agencies and with Meta for data preservation and investigation.
“The deactivation of the Facebook account after the alleged threat surfaced should not stop authorities from conducting a thorough investigation. Digital evidence can still be preserved and examined through the proper legal channels. If there is a basis to believe that a violation of the law has been committed, those responsible must be held accountable,” Gustilo said.
Gustilo also called on public officials to exercise prudence and responsibility in their use of digital platforms, emphasizing that elected leaders should serve as examples of respectful and law-abiding conduct.
“The rule of law applies equally to everyone. Public office does not exempt anyone from accountability, especially when actions taken online may constitute criminal offenses. We trust that the CICC will investigate and take appropriate action based on the evidence,” Gustilo said.
