IWAS CHISMIS: 34-yr.-old woman in Isabela arrested for online “chismis”

Santiago City, Isabela — Not because of theft or fraud but because of ”chismis”or gossip, a 34-year-old woman in Santiago City, Isabela, was arrested by authorities on Tuesday morning, June 3, 2025.

According to the report of the Philippine National Police Anti- Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG), the woman, whom they identified as alias “Lorraine,” was apprehended by the Santiago Cyber Response Team around 10:00 a.m. of said day after a complaint was lodged against her.

The complaint stemmed from Lorraine’s online gossip about a certain individual. The law enforcement agency did not disclose the specific details about the incident, along with the identity of the victim.

Currently, Lorraine is under police custody and is facing charges for the Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. A P10,000 bail is set at P10,000 for her release.

Brigadier General Bernard Yang, acting director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, praised the authorities for the successful arrest of the suspect. He also reminded the public that freedom of expression does not mean freedom to hurt or malign others.  

"While the right to freedom of expression is protected, it must not be used as a tool to defame or cause harm to others. The PNP ACG remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring that accountability extends to cyberspace,” Yang added, as quoted by the PNP ACG in its report.