Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) in a letter to Rodrigo Duterte, President of Philippines expressed concern over the arrest of Bong Encarnacion for libel in North Cotabato, Philippines.

PPF Secretary General Owais Aslam Ali in his letter urged the Philippines government to thoroughly investigate the matter and review libel law which is 79-year old.

According to Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, Encarnacion was a manager and commentator Radyo Bomba 99.5 radio. He was arrested by members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Kidapawan in connection with the libel cases filed by Makilala Mayor Rudy Caoagdan.

These libel cases were based on the commentaries of Encarnacion which he made during his radio programs on the alleged irregularities in the municipality of Makilala under the Caoagdan administration.

He was held at the National Bureau of Investigation office but was released on September 14, 2016 after he posted bail.

Encarnacion was not informed about the libel complaints before the warrant of arrests were served therefore, he could submit a counter-affidavit.

Libel is still a criminal offense in the Philippines despite calls for its decriminalization.