Vlogger Norman Mangusin, popularly known as “Francis Leo Marcos,” was arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) over three counts of cyberlibel, police said.
The DSOU-CIDG Tracker Team served the warrant of arrest against Mangusin, 47, on October 5 at a hotel and casino complex along New Seaside Drive in Parañaque City, according to a CIDG press release.
The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 294 in Parañaque City for three counts of libel under Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The cases are docketed as Criminal Case Nos. 2026-1236, 2026-1237 and 2026-1238, with bail set at P30,000 for each count, or P90,000 in total.
Mangusin was informed of the reason for his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights. He was then brought to the DSOU-CIDG office for booking and documentation and remains in police custody pending the issuance of a commitment order from the court.
The arresting team used one body-worn camera and two alternative recording devices during the operation, the CIDG said.
In February, Mangusin was arrested by CIDG operatives in connection with 12 counts of unjust vexation in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act. He was subsequently transferred to the Parañaque City Jail after the court issued a commitment order.
Police authorities also said at the time that other complaints had been filed or were being pursued against him.
Former senator Manny Pacquiao separately said in February that he was preparing to file several complaints against Mangusin, whom he accused of spreading false information and using his name for personal gain.
Mangusin’s camp was sought for comment on those allegations.
Legal history over use of “Francis Leo Marcos”
Mangusin’s use of the name “Francis Leo Marcos” has also figured in previous legal proceedings.
In a September 2025 decision, the Supreme Court noted that Mangusin had been identified in court records as “Norman Mangusin y Antonio alias Francis Leo Marcos y Antonio.” The Court also cited a previous Metropolitan Trial Court judgment involving his conviction for illegal use of an alias.
The Supreme Court case stemmed from Mangusin’s 2024 bid for a Senate seat under the name “Francis Leo Marcos.” The Commission on Elections had declared him a nuisance candidate and canceled his certificate of candidacy, although the Supreme Court later dismissed his petition as moot after he withdrew his candidacy.
The high court also found him guilty of indirect contempt for his actions involving the Court’s processes and ordered him to pay a P30,000 fine.
Mangusin had previously run for senator in the 2022 elections and received more than 4.4 million votes, according to the Supreme Court decision.
For the latest cyberlibel case, Mangusin remains under CIDG custody while awaiting the court’s commitment order.
