The Cebu City Prosecutor's Office found probable cause to file charges against six respondents who were implicated in the F Cafe & Bar incident involving Michelin Star chef Jason Atherton and his daughter on the night of December 23, 2022.
In a 11-page resolution penned by Assistant City Prosecutor Misty Leah Escolar-Hupp, recommended by Deputy City Prosecutor Maria Theresa Calibugan-Casiño and approved by City Prosecutor Licera Lofranco-Rabillas, the six respondents named are Butch Prieto Soreno, Inaki Ramon Bernedo Ibarlucea, Jericho Leonardi Porras Bolongan, Richard Doncillo Cervantes, and Doughlas Cervantes who will be facing three charges for violations of Sec. 10 (a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, Sec. 4 in relation to Sec. 15 of RA 11313 or The Safe Spaces Act and Article 265 of the Revised Penal Code (Less Serious Physical Injuries); and another respondent, disc jockey Neil Verzosa Pepito for violation of Section 10(a) of RA 7610.
The resolution upheld the recommendation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to file charges against the respondents for the acts they committed that violated the pertinent laws, as an outcome of their investigation.
The case stemmed after Gov. Gwen Garcia made a public disclosure of the incident by posting on her personal Facebook account a lengthy and detailed narration of what happened to Atherton and his daughter that night of December 23, 2023. She later called on the NBI Regional Office 7 to conduct an investigation.