DIGOS CITY – Local radio broadcaster and barangay official Michael Nacua has been released after posting bail on a cyber libel charge, a case he vows to confront head-on while continuing his work in media and public service.
Arrest and Release Over Facebook Post
The case against Nacua stems from a Facebook post he shared in December 2025. The post contained a statement made by Lanier Cadungog, the political opponent of Davao del Sur Vice Governor Marc Douglas Cagas IV during the May 2025 vice-gubernatorial elections. Cagas filed the complaint, accusing Nacua of spreading false and malicious statements online.
Authorities served an arrest warrant on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, citing an alleged violation of Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10175). Nacua was able to secure his release on the same day after his legal counsel facilitated the posting of bail.
Nacua's Defense: A Duty to Inform the Public
Speaking to reporters outside the Hall of Justice, Nacua firmly denied any malicious intent. He explained that the shared statement was part of his legitimate work as a journalist covering the political beat. According to Nacua, the content originated from Cadungog's direct response to questions during a press conference attended by media members.
"We will answer, we will prove to them that when the people ask, especially us in the media who represent the public, our questions should not be considered cyber libel," Nacua stated in a mix of English and Cebuano. He emphasized that media practitioners act as public representatives and that reporting answers given in official forums is a core function, not a crime.
Nacua expressed surprise at his arrest, believing he was merely fulfilling his role as a conduit of information between officials and the community. Despite the legal challenge, he asserted that the single-count charge would not stop him from his duties as a broadcaster and Barangay Zone 2 councilor in Digos City.
Broader Political Context of the Case
The legal complaint intersects with ongoing political tensions in Davao del Sur. Cadungog, Cagas's lone opponent in the last election, had previously filed a disqualification case against him with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in February 2025. Cadungog challenged Cagas's eligibility based on prior convictions, leading the Comelec to initially void his proclamation.
However, the Supreme Court en banc later issued a status quo ante order. In a resolution dated December 3, 2025, the High Court halted the Comelec's rulings, effectively keeping Cagas as the sitting vice governor until the Court issues a final decision. This order instructed parties to observe the situation prior to the Comelec's October and November 2025 resolutions.
Nacua's lawyer, Attorney James Decolongon—who also serves as a fellow councilor in Barangay Zone 2—said they are preparing their defense and are confident the circumstances will be properly addressed in court. As of the latest reports, Vice Governor Cagas has not issued a public statement regarding the cyber libel case against the broadcaster.
Nacua remains steadfast, stating his commitment to serve his constituents and uphold press freedom amidst this legal proceeding.
