PROMINENT legal counsel Levito “Levi” Baligod and 14 of his clients, collectively known as the “Brave 14,” were arrested on Friday afternoon, October 16, 2026, right outside the New Hall of Justice in San Juan City.
Operatives from the San Juan City Police Station—spearheaded by Station Commander PCol. Anthony C. Gantang, with joint personnel from the Warrant and Subpoena Section and the Station Intelligence Section—served the warrants at around 12:20 P.M.
The arrests stem from a warrant issued on September 23, 2026, by Presiding Judge Santiago M. Beltran Jr. of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 69 in Iba, Zambales.
The accused are facing charges for unjust vexation under Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
The court set bail at ₱10,000 for each individual.
The dramatic turn of events unfolded just after a scheduled arraignment for a separate cyberlibel case before the San Juan RTC was canceled.
As the group exited the courthouse, police moved in to serve the Zambales warrants.
Authorities stated that all standard protocols were strictly observed during the operation.
The arresting team apprised the accused of their constitutional rights in a language they understood and documented the procedure using alternative recording devices.
Following standard medical checks at San Juan Medical Center, the group was brought to the San Juan City Police Station Custodial Facility for temporary booking.
Aside from Atty. Baligod, those arrested were identified as Johnny Buduan, Rodante Orbillo, Christopher Esquivel, George Villalon Jr., Romeo Rommel Bobares, Gil Navidad Jr., Anselmo Taberdo, Joely Cadiao, Rommel Galapon, Bernard Gumban, Crisanie Dado, Fidel Corpuz, Walter Manalansan, and Reyneboy Julian.
In separate livestreams following their apprehension, members of the group voiced deep frustration, claiming they were caught completely off guard.
“We had no idea why a warrant was issued against us. We were caught by surprise,” said Walter Manalansan. Fellow member RJ Julian echoed the sentiment, noting that even their legal team had no prior notice of the resolution or subpoenas. “Four of our members are not here right now and the rest of us cannot leave. This has happened to us before, and it is very difficult,” Julian added.
The arrests quickly drew attention and reactions on social media, with supporters questioning the timing and circumstances of the warrants, calling for greater transparency in the judicial proceedings.
The “Brave 14” are part of a group of former bodyguards and drivers of fugitive former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co. The group previously claimed they delivered suitcases of cash—allegedly linked to anomalous flood control projects—to political figures. Several members are currently serving as prosecution witnesses in the Sandiganbayan bail hearings for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The group and their legal counsel have faced a string of legal challenges across various jurisdictions over recent months, including cyberlibel and perjury charges filed in multiple courts, which Baligod’s camp has consistently maintained caught them without proper prior notices or subpoenas.
Law enforcement officials reiterated that the operation was part of their continuous mandate to ensure the swift execution of lawful judicial warrants and maintain public order.
