Eastern Visayas top cop vows ‘fair, swift’ probe into harassment vs reporters

ORMOC CITY — The top policeman in Eastern Visayas vowed to conduct a “fair and swift” investigation on the scuffle involving two police officers and a journalist in Pastrana town, Leyte on Friday, July 14.

“We are dedicated to resolving this matter promptly. We will not tolerate any form of misconduct within our ranks,” said Brigadier Gen. Vincent Calanoga, director of the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas.

A video of the confrontation involving Police Staff Sergeant Rhea May Baleos, her husband Staff Sergeant Ver Baleos, and Noel Sianosa, a reporter for San Juanico TV, has been circulating online.

READ: PNP relieves 2 cops for allegedly harassing 3 reporters in Leyte

Calanoga has immediately ordered the relief of the Baleos couple while an investigation is being conducted.

“We likewise urge witnesses to come forward and shed light on the incident for a swift and fair result of the investigation,” he said.

The incident stemmed from a land dispute between Moises Empillo and Anecita Nogal with her husband, Virgilio Nogal.

Empillo and the Nogal couple claimed to be the owner of a rice field in Leyte.

Noel Sianosa of San Juanico TV was taking a video of the argument last Friday, prompting Ver Baleos to call the attention of the journalist.

A commotion ensued.

The incident happened while San Juanico TV reporters Sianosa, Lito Bagunas, and Ted Tomas were interviewing farmers in Barangay Jones in Pastrana town at around 9:30 a.m. on Friday.