According to Sigma Mayor Dante Rizal Eslabon, radio anchor India Lavapiez or more popularly known as “Mamang India” had a VIP [very important person] treatment when she was arrested last week for four counts of cyber libel.
Eslabon said it appeared that Mamang India was treated special in comparison to other individuals who were arrested in the country.
Despite the VIP treatment, Eslabon commended the local police force for the swift and orderly arrest of Mamang India, who was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 28 in Manila.
Issued by Judge Sheryll C. Dolendo-Tulabing, Mamang India had to post bail at P10,000 for each count to secure her temporary release.
As the complainant in the case, Eslabon said they are now awaiting the schedule of hearings in Manila, where he hopes to seek justice for what he described as damaging his reputation, his family’s name and his fellow public servants in the municipal government.
“The microphone should not be abused for reckless behavior. Everything has its limits,” Eslabon said.
Mamang India was charged in connection with alleged defamatory statements made during her radio broadcasts and Facebook Live sessions on March 17, April 1, April 2, and September 3, 2025.
Also named as respondents in the complaint were Mamang India’s husband Jay Lavapiez, who is Baskog Radyo station manager, and other officers of the Sarraga Integrated Management Corporation.
But prosecutors dismissed the complaints against Mamang India’s husband and others due to insufficient evidence.
