LAWYER Israelito P. Torreon has strongly condemned the criminal complaint filed against him for alleged unlawful publication and false information, characterizing it as a “patently baseless and malicious” attempt to silence and intimidate him.
In an official statement on his social media page, Torreon addressed the complaint, docketed as INV-25-D-1884, stating, “This complaint is nothing more than a brazen attempt to harass, silence, and intimidate a member of the legal profession who has merely exercised his constitutionally protected rights.”
Torreon firmly denied any wrongdoing. “Let it be made clear: I have not committed any criminal act. I have not peddled falsehoods. I have not violated any law,” he asserted. “What I have done — and will continue to do — is speak the truth, uphold justice, and defend the rights of those who have been wronged. No amount of coordinated propaganda, police press releases, or premature publicity can change that.”
The lawyer expressed concern about the broader implications of the case, suggesting it could set a dangerous precedent. “It now becomes apparent that the PNP’s filing of a barrage of cases against me sets a dangerous precedent where lawyers and citizens alike may be prosecuted simply for expressing views that challenge the powers that be. Today it is me. Tomorrow it could be any one of you,” Atty. Torreon warned.
Atty. Torreon vowed to fight the charges, emphasizing the importance of defending fundamental principles. “I will fight this, not only for myself but for the principles that underpin a free and democratic society,” he concluded.
The statement comes after the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) XI and the 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.
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.”
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.
