Wrongfully arrested journo nixes apology by CIDG unit head

MANILA, Philippines — “Apology niya mukha niya.”

This was veteran community journalist Margarita Valle’s reaction when asked on Wednesday if she accepts the apology of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 9 chief Col. Tom Tuzon.

Valle recalled how the leader of the CIDG unit who arrested her got scared when she challenged them to explain what happened in front of the press.

“Sabi nung team leader nila, i-explain daw niya ‘yung nangyari sa media kasi may mga nandoon na local press. Sabi ko sige, magexplain po kayo pero kailangan i-record talaga ito ng media,’” she said during a press briefing.

“Medyo naalanganin siya doon e. Kasi nga natakot siya. Tapos niremind ko siya, sabi ko alam niyo ba yung feeling ng ginawa niyo sakin?” Valle added. “Hindi pwedeng hindi sila mananagot.”

Tuzon apologized Monday to Valle who was wrongfully arrested after she was mistaken for a member of the communist movement who is wanted for multiple cases.

READ: CIDG apologizes to journalist for erroneous arrest

“On behalf of the PNP-CIDG, I want to extend my sincerest apologies for the negative experience that you had with our CIDG personnel from Pagadian City at Laguindingan Airport in the morning of June 9, 2019,” Tuzon said in a statement.

Meanwhile, should Valle feel her rights were violated, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde said the police are willing to assist her.

But Valle said PNP has not extended its assistance yet: “Walang lumapit. At kahit doon sa Pagadian, walang nagsabing ‘Sorry po.’ Walang wala po.”

Valle’s camp, on the other hand, said they are eyeing to file arbitrary detention charges against the PNP-CIDG.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)

READ: Valle’s camp to file charges against PNP-CIDG