Veteran journalist Jay Sonza is facing an additional charge under the Revised Penal Code aside from cyberlibel, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Friday, a day after his arrest.

Sonza was arrested on April 30 based on a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court of Pasay for cyberlibel, which stemmed from allegations of publishing false information. The case is reportedly linked to claims involving supposed fake medical records of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said authorities also identified a separate violation of the Revised Penal Code tied to the same case.

“Meron din violation sa revised penal code pero yun nga ay dalawang kaso. yun ang ating naging basehan,” Matibag said in an interview with DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos.”

Sonza is currently detained at the NBI detention facility.

The NBI chief confirmed that the warrant of arrest indicates the offense as “not bailable,” although he noted that the matter would still need clarification in court.

“From my point of view as a lawyer kailangan na may mga krimen na hindi bailable at may mga krimen dapat bailable. Liliwanagin natin yan sa korte,” Matibag said, adding that court proceedings are expected to resume Monday after the weekend and holiday.

Authorities said the warrant was immediately served upon release, following standard protocol to prevent suspects from evading arrest. Matibag denied that the timing of the arrest—on the eve of a holiday—was intentional.

“Yan ang magiging isipin ng tao pero yung warrant kasi lumabas ng hapon mga ala-una, alas-dos at yung warrant kasi kapag lumabas yan once na ibigay sa law enforcement yan immediately executory yan.”

During detention, Sonza was given medical attention after complaining of shortness of breath and citing a history of asthma. The NBI said a doctor may be sent to further examine him if needed.

As of Friday, Sonza remains the only individual named in the case.