STA. CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR — Local broadcaster Rodelo C. Lerio, known online as “RLRL,” has been arrested by police after his viral tirade cursing Sta. Cruz Municipal Mayor Nelson “Tata” Sala and issuing remarks deemed highly discriminatory against the Bagobo Tagabawa Indigenous community.
According to police, Lerio — an adult resident of Sta. Cruz — was apprehended shortly after a series of Facebook posts where he hurled expletives at Mayor Sala. Lerio accused the mayor of allegedly ordering the cutting of coconut trees that had fallen and blocked a road in their barangay, which he claimed prevented their motorcycles from passing.
His outburst rapidly gained traction online, drawing both criticism and concern. But the situation intensified when another video surfaced showing Lerio insulting the Bagobo community, saying:
“Hugawan man kaymong mga Bagobo-a mo.”
(“You Bagobos are filthy.”)
IP Leaders: ‘This Is Not a Joke — This Is an Attack on Our People’
The Bagobo/Manobo community responded with fury and condemnation, calling Lerio’s words a direct and dehumanizing insult to their identity.
“This is an insult to my people. This is an insult to me,” one Bagobo Tagabawa member said in a public statement that has since circulated widely.
The statement emphasized that Lerio’s remarks were not casual comments but “a blatant form of discrimination, prejudice, and cultural disrespect.”
“Ang gihugawan kay ang hunahuna nga nagdalag diskriminasyon, dili ang tribong Bagobo Tagabawa,” the statement added, urging tribal leaders to demand accountability and ensure that such insults are not tolerated.
Customary Justice Activated: PATONGKU-TONG’KUE Convened
In response, the Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) of Sta. Cruz, led by Hon. Bae Elvira I. Lim, convened the Bagobo Tagabawa tribal leaders and the NCIP Provincial Office to address Lerio’s discriminatory conduct.
They conducted a PATONGKU-TONG’KUE, a traditional conflict-settlement process of the Bagobo Tagabawa, signaling the community’s unified stand to uphold respect, dignity, and justice through customary law.
Despite Arrest, Lerio Says He Fears for His Life
Before his arrest, Lerio posted several videos claiming he had gone into hiding after receiving threats. He showed himself picking up garbage in Davao City and Tagum to survive, while repeatedly apologizing — especially to the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe.
Police have not yet disclosed the charges filed against him, but authorities confirmed that both the threats he received and the offenses stemming from his posts are being investigated.
Mayor Offered P100,000 Reward Prior to Arrest
The controversy escalated further when Mayor Nelson “Tata” Sala posted on November 15 offering a ₱100,000 reward for anyone who could help locate Lerio.
The post triggered mixed reactions — some viewed it as justified, while others warned that it might inflame tensions surrounding the case.
Community Awaits Next Steps
With Lerio under police custody and the Bagobo Tagabawa community invoking their customary justice mechanisms, the case now straddles both legal and tribal processes.
The incident highlights critical issues including:
- responsible use of social media,
- protection of Indigenous cultural dignity,
- political accountability, and
- the consequences of discriminatory speech.
Authorities and tribal leaders are expected to release additional statements as the process unfolds.