Man Apprehended Following Bench Warrant for Defamation
Police authorities in Naga City arrested a 48-year-old man known as alias Benny on Monday, November 10, 2025, after he failed to appear in court for an oral defamation case. The arrest occurred at approximately 12:45 PM in South Población, Naga City, following the issuance of a bench warrant by the local court.
Court Order and Arrest Details
Judge Fritz Ritchie Navarro Avila, Presiding Judge of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities, 7th Judicial Region in Naga, had issued the bench warrant for arrest on November 3, 2025. The case involves Light Oral Defamation with the court setting bail at P3,000 for the defendant's temporary freedom.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Verniño Noserale, chief of the Naga City Police Station (NCPS), officers immediately acted upon receiving the court order. "We formed a tracker team to locate the accused after we received the court's directive," Noserale stated. "The team successfully apprehended him in South Población."
Background of the Defamation Case
The legal trouble began when Benny allegedly shouted "Kawatan ka" (You are a thief) at his neighbor, identified as alias George. The incident prompted George to file a formal complaint at the Barangay Cogon office in Naga City.
Records indicate that the accused had previously been given an opportunity to settle the matter through barangay mediation proceedings. However, when Benny failed to appear before the court as required, the judge issued the bench warrant that led to Monday's arrest.
The case highlights the legal consequences of oral defamation under Philippine law, particularly the importance of respecting court procedures and appearing when summoned. The P3,000 bail amount set by the court reflects the classification of the offense as light oral defamation, which carries less severe penalties than serious oral defamation under the Revised Penal Code.
