DILG sends cops to guard anchor beaten by governor

POLICE HAVE provided security to a radio anchor who was assaulted by Kalinga Gov. Joel Baac inside the announcer’s booth on Tuesday in Tabuk City, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said Thursday he had instructed Cordillera Administrative Region police director Chief Supt. Villamor Bumanglag to secure Jerome Tabanganay, an anchor of dzRK Radyo ng Bayan.

Robredo said policemen were also sent to secure the station.

Tabanganay was hosting his noon show “Agenda Part 2” when Baac, accompanied by five aides, barged into his booth, grabbed a microphone and slammed it on a table, took a second microphone and hit him on the face.

The broadcaster said the governor also threatened to kill him if he continued to talk, a charge Baac denied. The assault was caught on video by a computer camera that was streaming the radio broadcast online.

Robredo said Baac could face suspension if a complaint was filed against him or even dismissal if he was found liable.

“The Ombudsman or the Office of the President can [suspend him] if a complaint is filed,” he said.

He said the criminal aspect would be pursued by the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice.

Tabanganay earlier said Baac might have been irked by his commentaries about an incident last  Monday at the provincial capitol  when the dzRK station manager was scolded in public by the governor, and other officials, over criticisms aired by the radio station.