Erwin Tulfo declared persona non grata by PMA alumni

Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista (right) and Erwin Tulfo. (INQUIRER,net file photos)

MANILA, Philippines — The alumni of the Philippine Military Academy has declared radio personality Erwin Tulfo as persona non grata for berating on his radio show two weeks ago Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista, a retired Army lieutenant general.

The board of directors of the PMA Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) passed a resolution on June 7 to declare Tulfo persona non grata.

“The PMAAI takes offense and strongly condemns the boorish behavior and derogatory remarks of Mr. Tulfo that spilled over the ranks of the active and retired officers, men and women of the MUP (military uniformed personnel) thereby assailing the very core of service to country and people of which the PMAAAI squarely stands for,” it said.

The statement explains the meaning of the declaration: “Tulfo’s presence or participation, physical or by proxy, shall not be appreciated in all activities, programs or undertakings either sponsored or participated in by the PMAAAI or any of its chapter members and affiliate organizations held inside or outside their respective areas of jurisdiction.”

He will also be deprived of the “privileges and courtesies granted to responsible media practitioners.”

Tulfo insulted and threatened Bautista, a PMA alumnus and a former Army chief, after his interview request was not granted.

Aside from hurling a mouthful of expletives, the radio host warned that he would slam down Bautista’s head into a toilet bowl if he sees him in person.

Active and retired soldiers were outraged by Tulfo’s behavior against Bautista. An online petition also sought to demand Tulfo’s apology.

Bautista, a member of PMA “Sandiwa” Class of 1985, retired as Army chief last October before he was named as secretary of DSWD. A seasoned military commander fighting terrorist groups, he was the overall ground commander during the Marawi siege in 2017.

He was also the first commander of Presidential Security Group under President Rodrigo Duterte.

Last Friday, Bautista broke his silence on the issue and demanded Tulfo’s public apology through various media platforms and donations to military organizations.

Tulfo and his family lost their police and military security details because of the incident. He was also ordered by the police to surrender his firearms after his license expired 3 months ago.

(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)