Bulacan police to look into reported harassment of media last June 21

June 24, 2019

The Bulacan provincial police office on Monday said they will investigate the reported harassment against media practitioners last June 21.

In a statement, Police Colonel Chito Bersaluna, provincial director, said he “strongly condones” any unlawful demeanor by lawless elements that will  disturb peace and order.

Though he said the incident is an isolated one, Bersaluna added that he directed the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB) to coordinate with the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Norzagaray municipal police station and City of San Jose Del Monte police for an investigation.

“Exhaustive investigation and intelligence gathering is undertaken for the possible identity of the alleged armed man,” said Bersaluna.

Bersaluna said the incident transpired last June 21 around 3 pm when members of media onboard a vehicle were traversing along Igay Road, Brgy Paradise 3, San Mateo in Norzagara after coming from an event, an unidentified man who is allegedly armed with a gun blocked and stopped them asking for the cell phone number of a certain Engineer Glen of PEO (Provincial Engineer’s Office).

Upon informing Bersaluna after the incident, the media men were advised to report to the police station which has jurisdiction of the incident so appropriate action will be done.

But as they were en route to Malolos City, they were told to have it recorded in the police blotter of the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Group RFU (Regional Field Unit) 3, where they were assisted.

“PNP Bulacan will not be remiss of its duty to ensure that no harassment of any form will be committed against any member of the press and that their right to press freedom is upheld and protected as enshrined in our constitution,” said Bersaluna. Ella Dionisio/DMS