DZMM host detained at MPD for turning hysterical

A lawyer and DZMM host for the evening program “Usapang de Campanilla” is currently detained at the Manila Police District (MPD) for turning hysterical while questioning the legality of the arrest of her client Tuesday evening.

Lawyer Claire Castro, who introduced herself to reporters as an employee of ABS-CBN and said she was there only to help, is currently detained together with her husband, secretary, and Jackson Chua, her client, for slander by deed and obstruction of justice, according to MPD-Women’s Desk’s PO3 Marlene Remetrio.

Castro said Chua was apprehended at SM San Lazaro Tuesday afternoon without a warrant of arrest.

She was seen shouting, pushing policemen, and pulling her client away from the MPD’s Women and Child’s Desk, trying to bring him home.

“Walang warrant, sir, kinakaladkad sa SM Mall-San Lazaro. Walang complaint. Walang ginagawa sa SM Mall para arestuhin,” she said, almost shouting.

(There is no warrant, sir, but he was dragged at SM Mall-San Lazaro. There is no complaint. He wasn’t doing anything at SM Mall to be arrested.)

READ: DZMM host, 3 others undergo proceedings

Chua was brought to the MPD after an entrapment operation at SM San Lazaro after his ex-girlfriend, Ricamarie Taylor, complained and approached the MPD Women’s Desk for assistance regarding the alleged abduction of their 6-year-old son.

He is reportedly facing charges of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004.

However, according to Chua, Taylor allegedly has asked him to pay the credit bill that amounted to P400,000 which she spent in their recent US trip. Chua allegedly refused.

Castro said Chua received a text from Taylor asking him for a meet-up to talk about their child.

“May text ang babae na magkita sa SM para pag-usapan ang bata. Bakit kayo lahat nandoon? Frame up? Frame up ba ’to?” she said, as she tried to push policemen and pull her client out of the room.

(There was a text from the partner to meet up at SM to talk about the child. Why are you all there? Frame up? Is this a frame up?)

“Walang complaint… Nasaan? Ipapa-file pa lang kaso! Ini-imbestigahan ang kaso para hulihin, walang warrant of arrest ito! Wala siyang arrest,” she said shouting.

(There is no complaint. Where? The case is yet to be filed. The case is being investigated to arrest my client, but there is no warrant of arrest!)

Castro was trying to get out of the door shouting and asked angrily if it is a sin to protect her client for her to be arrested.

“Is it a sin to defend my client? Sir, Pasensya na po talaga,” she added.

(Is it a sin to defend my client? Sir, I’m really sorry.)

“Kasalanan mo ang sinisigaw-sigawan mo ako,” Remetrio, who was there with the complainant Taylor, an airline employee, said.

(Your fault is that you’re yelling at me.)

Because of the commotion, Remetrio sought the help of policemen to pacify Castro.

Supt. Dennis Wagas, MPD chief of the Legal Division also came to pacify and explain to Castro the procedures and details of the arrest.

Castro’s husband was also at the Women’s Desk waiting for her and tried to intervene during the commotion.

Castro hosts “Usapang de Campanilla,” a radio evening program that gives legal advice to listeners.

Reporter harassed

Meanwhile, the MPD personnel reportedly harassed a Radyo Inquirer reporter covering the said incident.

According to a report, while Ruel Perez was interviewing Castro, a “Major Aresenio Reparip” forced him to go out of the MPD Women’s Section.

Although Perez said he was only getting information, Reparip reportedly raised his voice and was enraged when the reporter asked for his full name.

According to Perez, Reparip said, “’You harassed me, you asked for my name!’”

Later on, Reparip was said to have apologized to Perez. Jodee A. Agoncillo with reports from Ruel Perez, Radyo Inquirer/RAM