PNP probes controversial anti-terror post of Malaybalay police

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is currently investigating an alleged social media post of the Malaybalay Police Station in Bukidnon which tagged acts of protests as a form of terrorism.

“PNP will verify this post and look into circumstances surrounding it,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement on Friday when asked about Malabalay police’s post.

In a screenshot shared by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines chair Nonoy Espina on Twitter, he raised concerns that the controversial post linked terrorism to those speaking out against the shutdown of media giant ABS-CBN and defending press freedom.

“Really now, Malaybalay Police? Speaking out against the closure of ABS-CBN and defending press freedom is terrorism? Ilan pa kayang unit ng PNP ang meron nito? (How many more PNP units will post this?)” Espina wrote.

Really now Malaybalay police? Speaking out against the closure of ABS-CBN and defending press freedom is terrorism? Ilan pa kayang unit ng PNP ang meron nito? pic.twitter.com/MlC4P0xdVl

— nonoy espina (@EspinaNonoy) July 17, 2020

The caption of the police station’s post stated: “Malalaman mong sila ay para sa Terorismo, papatulan lahat ng isyu basta laban sa gobyerno.”

(You will know that they are for terrorism, they will raise all issues especially if it is against the government.)

The provincial police station also placed photos of rallyists carrying placards defending press freedom.

The post was already deleted on Malaybalay police station official social media page.

As the anti-terror law takes effect on July 19, several critics and lawmakers expressed alarm that the measure will be used to crack down dissent.

EDV