DAVAO CITY (April 11) — A female radio anchor was arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday afternoon at a restaurant in Valencia City.
The suspect, identified as Liezel, a block timer at Radyo Kaibigan, was apprehended following allegations of extortion against Valencia City Councilor Guillermo “Junjun” De Asis Jr., who is running for vice mayor.
In the Friday night press conference, De Asis claimed Liezel had criticized him on her radio program for months. He claimed that her attacks became personal and affected his family.
De Asis stated that during a conversation, Liezel admitted to being commissioned by another vice mayoral candidate to target him in her broadcasts.
De Asis reported that Liezel initially demanded ₱500,000—₱200,000 for the radio station and ₱300,000 as her talent fee to cease her criticisms since that was the amount she received from the other candidate.
After negotiations, they agreed on ₱350,000. Subsequently, Liezel reportedly stopped her on-air attacks against De Asis.
The NBI set up an entrapment operation, which led to Liezel’s arrest when she accepted the marked money. De Asis’s legal counsel is preparing to file libel charges and extortion against her.
This incident depicts concerns about the misuse of media platforms for personal or political agendas. Authorities continue to investigate the matter.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
