- Police file raps vs. Davao lawyer, social media personality
THE REGIONAL Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) and Davao City Police Office filed criminal complaints against Atty. Israelito Torreon and vlogger Elizabeth Joie Cruz, also known as Joie De Vivre, for reportedly publishing false information on April 30, 2025, at the Hall of Justice in Ecoland.
Based on the Police Regional Office XI report, the complaint was filed through regular legal process by Police Lieutenant Colonel Michael Seguido from the Davao City Police Office. The documents with the docket number INV-25-D-1884 were received by Prosecutor Maria Estrella Dulla-Valles.
TIMES is still waiting for the response from Atty. Israelito Torreon regarding the matter.
The two face charges for allegedly violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, which pertains to unlawful publication and false information, in connection with Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
PRO XI regional director Brig Gen Leon Victor Rosete commended RACU XI and DCPO for their “quick and coordinated action.”
“This is part of PRO XI’s strong stand against the spread of false information and the misuse of online platforms,” he said.
In a message to TIMES on Sunday afternoon, Major Catherine Dela Rey, the spokesperson of Police Regional Office XI, said the case stemmed from the previous posts by the respondents regarding the memo directing DCPO cops to wear red civilian clothes for President Marcos Jr.’s campaign rally security in Carmen, Davao del Norte on Feb. 15, 2025.
According to sources, police were also instructed to monitor and prevent disruptions involving Duterte-related heckling and chanting.
However, in an earlier statement, Dela Rey dismissed speculations that the memo was political.
She said, “The police personnel deployed in civilian attire are part of the inner security to support the PSG. This is a standard practice for covert security during events. We regularly deploy such units when additional security coverage is needed. The red attire is for distinction, to identify them as part of the inner security, as requested by the PSG. There is no other significance to it, as the PNP remains apolitical and non-partisan as an organization.”
