(CMFR/IFEX) – A radio reporter has complained of threats by a police officer after the latter became the subject of her reports alleging him of wrongdoing. Lourdes Escaros-Paet, reporter for the radio station dyPR and the weekly community newspaper “Bandillo ng Palawan”, said police officer Antonio Magbanua aired his threats over the radio station dyER […]
(CMFR/IFEX) – A radio reporter has complained of threats by a police officer after the latter became the subject of her reports alleging him of wrongdoing.
Lourdes Escaros-Paet, reporter for the radio station dyPR and the weekly community newspaper “Bandillo ng Palawan”, said police officer Antonio Magbanua aired his threats over the radio station dyER on 10, 11 and 13 November 2006. Paet is based in Puerto Princessa, Palawan, a province southwest of Manila. The radio station is owned by Puerto Princessa Mayor Edward Hagedorn.
In her letter to Magbanua’s superior, Director General Jesus Versoza of the Philippine National Police, Paet said Magbanua blamed her for being relieved of his duties. Since early this year, Magbanua has been reported as being allegedly involved in human trafficking, specifically the abduction of minors for labor. He was also reported to be engaging in corruption and abuse of power.
Paet said that when Magbanua received his relief order, he went on air at the radio station to cast aspersions on her by questioning her “credibility as a professional media practitioner.”
Magbanua’s whereabouts are still unknown, but Paet believes he is still in Puerto Princessa.
The radio journalist told CMFR that, to protect herself, “(as) much as possible, I stay at the office and when I go out, I see to it that I have a companion.”
