By Gabriela Baron
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) apologized for causing ‘undue alarm and fear’ after one of its police officers visited the home of a journalist.
In a statement released Saturday, Oct. 16, NCRPO Chief Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said it was a gesture to check if there are threats on journalists’ lives and their families’ following the killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.
READ MORE: Broadcast commentator Percy Lapid shot dead in Las Piñas
“In our commitment to protect them from danger and ensure their safety, we have been reaching out to our friends from the media, especially those who have been receiving threats,” Estomo said.
“Unfortunately, a police officer reportedly to have visited a media personality in civilian clothes. The intention is good but unfortunately, this [has] caused undue alarm and fear,” he added.
In a series of tweets, GMA News reporter JP Soriano on Saturday said a man went to his private residence, identifying himself as a police officer who was ordered to check for any threats against journalists.
“Isang nagpakilalang Pulis ang nagpunta sa aking private residence ngayon, nagpakita ng I.D. pero hindi [naka-uniform], [h]inanap ako at maayos namang nagpakilala at sinabing inutusan daw sila ng PNP para ‘kamustahin’ ang mga journalists at kung may ‘threat’ ba sa amin?” Soriano said.
1.) Isang nagpakilalang Pulis ang nagpunta sa aking private residence ngayon, nagpakita ng I.D. pero hindi naka uniform, Hinanap ako at maayos namang nagpakilala at sinabing inutusan daw sila ng #PNP para “kamustahin” ang mga journalists at kung may “threat” ba sa amin? @gmanews
— JP Soriano (@jpsoriano) October 15, 2022
Estomo said after the incident, he immediately ordered all commanders from district directors down to the chiefs of police and station commanders to ‘stop and refrain from doing the same.’
“Though we have a good intention to this endeavor, I personally apologize to all our media friends and investigation is already on place pertaining to this incident,” he added.
