Marikina police chief: No inappropriate acts by cops vs dzBB reporter

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina City police chief Col. Restituto Arcangel has disputed claims that his officers acted inappropriately when they asked dzBB reporter Mark Makalalad to seek permission first from authorities before doing a live report.

“I don’t think our troops did something inappropriate considering the circumstances. Hindi nila nakilala si Mark Makalalad dahil hindi siya nakauniform, walang ID, hindi nila napansin na may parked vehicle ng media, and then yung gamit ni Mark Makalalad ay cellphone lang at hindi yung usual na camera typically used by the media,” Arcangel said in a statement sent to the media on Friday.

(I don’t think our troops did something inappropriate considering the circumstances. They did not know Mark Makalalad because he is not wearing a uniform, no ID, and they did not notice the parked vehicle of media and then Mark Makalalad only used a cellphone and not the usual camera typically used by the media.)

To recall, Makalalad was approached by four policemen after doing a live traffic report along Marcos Highway in Marikina City. The police officers told Makalalad that he must get permission from them first before taking any videos.

The police officers also hinted that Makalalad could an “enemy.” The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said the PNP must conduct a probe and impose sanctions against the allegedly rude policemen.

But Arcangel, however, clarified that Makalalad was approached by two policemen and two Marines.

The Marikina police chief then asked for understanding from the public as both parties have already explained their sides.

“Humihingi na lang ako ng mahabang pang-unawa sa lahat sa konting di pagkakaintindihan. Ang maganda naman ay nagkakapaliwanagan,” he said.

(I am asking for understanding as there were quite some unclear sentiments here. The good thing here is both parties had a chance to explain).

/MUF