Veteran DZRH reporter Misael Boy Gonzales Jr. has been released after posting bail following his arrest on Wednesday over a complaint filed by Manila Councilor Rosalino "Jhun" Ibay Jr.
Gonzales was taken into custody by the Manila Police District (MPD) after Ibay accused him of violating Section 25 of the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The DZRH reporter posted bail of ₱18,000 for his release on Thursday, March 12.
The complaint stems from Gonzales’ publication of details from a warrant of arrest issued against Ibay.
In his report, Gonzales cited a warrant issued in September 2025 by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 4.
The warrant charged Ibay with alleged lascivious conduct under Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. Gonzales had previously reported on the issuance of the warrant against the councilor for alleged lewd acts involving a minor.
According to Gonzales’ legal counsel, Atty. Rhina Seco on Wednesday, Ibay initially filed complaints for libel, cyberlibel, and violation of the Data Privacy Act. The libel and cyberlibel complaints were dismissed by the prosecutor due to lack of probable cause, however, the Investigating Prosecutor recommended filing charges for violation of the Data Privacy Act.
Gonzales was detained at the Police Intelligence Operations Unit of the Manila Police District (MPD).
The arrest has drawn criticism from media organizations, including the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) which condemned the detention, calling it “clearly retaliatory and an abuse of the law.”
NUJP stressed that reporting on cases involving alleged abuse by public officials is a matter of public interest and part of a journalist’s duty.
Meanwhile, the National Press Club (NPC) also expressed concern over the potential chilling effect on press freedom, urging authorities to uphold due process and constitutional protections for media practitioners reporting on public officials and allegations of wrongdoing.
