Albayalde praises Erwin Tulfo’s ‘sincere’ apology
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde praised on Tuesday the “sincere” apology of broadcaster Erwin Tulfo after berating Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista.
“I think it is very noble of Mr. Erwin Tulfo to do that and we are very much thankful. Of course on the part of the Philippine National Police, we accept his sincere apology,” Albayalde, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy like Bautista, said in a chance interview at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
Albayalde said he cannot speak on behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, where some generals also expressed displeasure over Tulfo’s scolding of Bautista in his radio show for not taking his call for an interview. Tulfo even threatened to dunk Bautista’s head in a toilet.
Tulfo has initially apologized for his “excessive” rants, but said he maintains he has the right to criticize public officials as a journalist. He later apologized again in a television interview on Monday, saying that maybe he has to “tone down” and “change (his) style.”
READ: Tulfo issues new apology after backlash for tirades vs DSWD chief
Bautista is a retired Lieutenant General and Army chief before being appointed as Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary. He was also the overall ground commander during the 2017 Marawi siege.
READ: Active, retired soldiers defend DSWD’s Bautista after Tulfo outburst
Albayalde said he is positive that Bautista, whom he knew since cadetship, will accept the apology given by Tulfo.
“I am pretty sure, knowing General Bautista na napakabait, napaka-professional na tao (as a very good and professional person)… Very understanding iyan (He is very understanding), and I am sure he will accept the apology also,” said Albayalde.
He also agreed with Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo’s suggestion of moving on from the issue.
The PNP has earlier ordered the recall for review of the security escorts assigned to the Tulfo brothers. Albayalde said the Tulfos were initially given the escorts a long time ago after passing the threat assessment of the PNP.
Should they wish to have their police escorts again, Albayalde said the Tulfo brothers should undergo the same procedures as anyone applying for security detail from the PNP. (Editor: Mike Frialde)
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