BPO agent arrested for maligning BF’s ex-girlfriend

A CALL center agent accused of maligning her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend on social media was arrested by operatives of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Central Visayas (RACU) 7 on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, after she was charged with nine counts of cyberlibel.

Daphne Apeña, 28, from Barangay Lorega San Miguel, Cebu City, was arrested after Regional Trial Court Branch 11 Judge Ramon Daomilas Jr. issued the arrest warrants against her last Oct. 16.

Daomilas required Apeña to pay a P30,000 bail bond for her release.

P/Col. Marlo Castillo, RACU 7 head, said Apeña’s case came after Michelle Alanic, who is identified as the ex-girlfriend of the suspect’s boyfriend, filed a complaint against her over conversations they posted on a private messenger.

Alanic said Apeña sent malicious messages to her, which she showed to RACU 7 through screenshots of their conversation.

Apeña admitted she was surprised that a complaint was filed against her, claiming she was a victim of Alanic’s constant harassment through social media posts.

She claimed Alanic posted a photo of her and her boyfriend lying in bed.

Apeña even provided RACU 7 with screenshots of Alanic’s post, which showed comments criticizing the former.

Due to this, Apeña plans to file countercharges against Alanic.

Apeña admitted her rift with Alanic began last July when the latter called her a “pokpok,” or whore, in a private message.

Castillo said the court found probable cause to charge Apeña with violating Republic Act 10175 due to her “below-the-belt” comments against Alanic.

But Castillo said Apeña can approach their office to file a case against Alanic, based on her claims.

As cyberlibel has stiffer penalties, Castillo urged the public to avoid posting or sending maligning messages on social media, especially if it’s aimed to target someone.

He admitted that most of the cases they received often involved cyberlibel.

“Let me remind our constituents that if you plan to argue with someone on social media, you could face more than six years of jail time if you are charged and convicted with cyberlibel, especially if you use a cellphone or computer to post maligning messages,” Castillo added in Tagalog. (AYB/ JKV)

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