NBI arrests Jay Sonza over cybercrime raps tied to fake Marcos medical report

Metro Manila, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation arrested pro-Duterte personality Jay Sonza over cybercrime charges linked to the alleged spread of false medical information about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

In a statement Thursday, April 30, the agency said Sonza was arrested by operatives of its Organized Crime Division, in coordination with the Cybercrime Division and Technical Intelligence Division, by virtue of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 118 Pasay City.

Court records show Sonza is facing charges for violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, or unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances.

The case stemmed from a January 2026 cyber-surveillance operation by the NBI, which identified Sonza among individuals allegedly responsible for circulating unverified and misleading claims about the president’s health. These included a purported CT scan report and statements alleging a deterioration in Marcos’ condition that later spread across digital platforms.

Despite the deletion or restriction of the original posts, the NBI said it preserved evidence through digital forensic methods, including authenticated screenshots and tracking of reposted content. The materials were submitted to the Department of Justice and led to the filing of charges and issuance of the arrest warrant.

The bureau reiterated its warning against disinformation.

“The NBI remains committed to upholding truth and accountability in the digital space. Individuals who weaponize misinformation to mislead the public will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with existing laws,” it said.

Authorities added that operations of this nature are conducted within legal bounds and with judicial authority.

Sonza’s lawyer Mark Tolentino said they are at the NBI main office in Pasay City to ensure his client’s rights are protected.

He said the charge under Article 154 carries a light penalty.

“Muli naming binibigyang-diin: ang ‘unlawful publication’ sa ilalim ng Article 154 ng Revised Penal Code ay magaan na kaso na may parusang arresto mayor o multa,” he said.

[Translation: We reiterate that ‘unlawful publication’ under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code is a light offense punishable by arresto mayor or a fine.]

Tolentino added that under Republic Act No. 6036, bail is not required and the accused may be released without posting bail.

“Hindi kinakailangan ang piyansa; maaaring palayain ang akusado nang walang bail. Babantayan namin ang bawat hakbang at kikilos laban sa anumang maling aplikasyon ng batas,” he said.

[Translation: Bail is not required; the accused may be released without bail. We will monitor every step and act against any misapplication of the law.]