A 30-YEAR-OLD man is facing the non-bailable charge of terrorism for allegedly posting threats on Facebook, offering rewards for the assassination of high-ranking government officials and the bombing of Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices.
Gian Carlo Dela Cruz Maningo was arrested on May 14, 2025, at his residence in Barangay Casili, Mandaue City, two days after authorities tracked him down.
A two-page court report sent to SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, May 28, said the accused was charged with violation of Section 4 of Republic Act (RA) 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, in relation to RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The charge was filed before the Regional Trial Court of Mandaue City.
According to the charge sheet, Maningo published a Facebook post offering a P10 million reward for the killing of “most wanted terrorists” identified in the post as Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia, a certain ‘Christine Garcia,’ and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia.
The post also included photos of the Comelec official, Mayor Garcia and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
The Facebook post also offered a P5 million reward to bomb all Comelec sites.
“10 Million Reward. Will be offering a reward to whomever can kill the following MOST WANTED TERRORIST. George Garcia, Christine Garcia, Raymond Garcia and 5 Million reward to BOMB all Comelec site,” read the FB post.
The post generated several shares and comments with authorities saying the public interaction “spread a message of fear.”
The Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office said the accused was informed of the evidence against Maningo, who waived his right to preliminary investigation. Prosecutors then found enough evidence to charge him.
Prosecutors recommended no bail for Maningo.
Since Maningo’s alleged acts were committed using information and communication technology, prosecutors said they will invoke the cybercrime law in relation to the terrorism offense.
The accused is currently in detention at the National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas office and will be turned over to the Mandaue City Jail. / CAV