Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have apprehended a man from Pagadian City for a social media post deemed to incite sedition, following a swift cyber-investigation.
The arrestee has been identified as Michael P. Romero, also known online as “Mike Romero.” He was taken into custody on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by operatives from the NBI’s Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD).
The case stemmed from a Facebook post that circulated online, which featured an image of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. overlaid with a red arrow. The post gained notoriety due to its accompanying caption, a single word: “Headshot.”
In response to the post, the NBI-CCD immediately launched an investigation. Through cyber patrolling techniques, agents were able to trace the origin of the post to Romero’s account.
“Through our cyber patrolling, we were able to identify the individual responsible for the post,” a statement from the NBI detailed.
The investigation quickly turned into a hot pursuit operation. On October 6, a team from the NBI-CCD traveled to Pagadian City. There, they coordinated with the local NBI-Pagadian District Office (NBI-PAGDO). Through joint surveillance efforts, the agents successfully located Romero’s residence.
The following day, on October 7, authorities confronted Romero. Upon questioning, he reportedly admitted to being the owner of the “Mike Romero” Facebook account responsible for the controversial post.
Following his admission, NBI agents placed Romero under arrest for violation of Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code (Inciting to Sedition) in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175). He was informed of his constitutional rights before being transported to the NBI-CCD main office in Pasay City for booking procedures.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago commended the agents involved in the successful operation. He also took the opportunity to issue a public reminder, urging social media users to act responsibly and refrain from posting malicious content that could threaten public order and safety.
Romero is currently detained as inquest proceedings are set to begin. If convicted, he could face penalties under the stringent cybercrime law.#
