October 7, 2025 – Manila, Philippines — Viral pares vendor Deo Jarito Balbuena, popularly known as “Diwata,” turned to Raffy Tulfo in Action after being wrongfully arrested due to mistaken identity in connection with the Anti-Street Obstruction Ordinance in Mandaluyong City.
According to Balbuena, police officers from the Trece Martires Warrant Section arrived at his residence in General Trias on October 7 to serve a warrant for his arrest. He was detained but was later released after posting bail.
Patrolman Johary Bogagong, the arresting officer, explained that the case stemmed from an incident in March when five men were apprehended in Mandaluyong for drinking alcohol in public. One of them allegedly presented a TIN ID under Balbuena’s name and his former address. When the suspects failed to appear in court or pay their fines, a warrant of arrest was mistakenly issued against Balbuena.
During the interview, Patrolman Bogagong admitted that the person he arrested in March was not the well-known Diwata from social media, confirming that Balbuena had become a victim of identity theft and wrongful arrest.
Balbuena said he sought Tulfo’s help to ensure that similar incidents would not happen to others.
Senator Raffy Tulfo vowed to file a Senate resolution calling for stricter verification protocols among warrant officers to prevent wrongful arrests and protect innocent individuals from identity misuse.