By Benjamin Pulta

CHARGED. A mugshot of the suspect who threatened to bomb the Commission on Elections central office following his arrest in Mandaue City on May 14, 2025. The Department of Justice on Wednesday (May 28, 2025) said the suspect has been charged with the non-bailable crime of terrorism. (Photo courtesy of NBI)

MANILA – Criminal charges for terrorism have been filed by prosecutors against a man who made online threats against the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and its officials, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday.

In a statement, the DOJ said prosecutors have determined prima facie evidence to support the charge and recommended no bail against Gian Carlo Dela Cruz Maningo, also known as Gian Maningo, for violating Section 4 of Republic Act (RA) 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020) in relation to RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

The case was filed under the authority of the Office of the City Prosecutor and is docketed before the Regional Trial Court of Mandaue City, 7th Judicial Region.

The charges stemmed from a Facebook post by the accused offering a PHP10 million reward “to whomever can kill the following MOST WANTED TERRORIST: George Garcia, Christine Garcia, Raymond Garcia” and a PHP5 million reward to “BOMB all COMELEC site.”

The post also included photographs of Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and Mayor Raymond Garcia.

The message was found by prosecutors to be intended to spread fear and intimidation.

“The DOJ reiterates its resolve to prosecute offenses that threaten public safety and misuse digital platforms to incite violence or terror.” (PNA)