Thursday, December 06, 2007

Editorial - December 8, 2007 ISSUE

Condemnable Media Arrest
By Ambrosio R. Villorente
It was not only degrading, it was a violation of the constitution, suppression of the right to information of the people on matters of public concern, and it was a curtailment of press freedom. Hence, a clear violation of the Philippines Constitution by the Philippine National Police (PNP) of Metro Manila.
After the PNP quelled the brief rebellion of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Gen. Danilo Lim in the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Makati City, the PNP as well arrested the members of the media who were with Trillanes and Lim. They were handcuffed or their arms were tied with plastic strings. They were hauled into the police bus which brought them to Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.
According to the police, the members of the media are brought to the National Capitol Region Police Office for processing, for proper identification and asked of their participation in the aborted Trillanes–Lim rebellion. The PNP alleged, some persons who were actually participants to the rebellion concealed themselves as members of the media when they were not really.
While in Camp Bagong Diwa, some of them were asked to lie flat, their faces on the ground. Guns were pointed at them. Their lawyers, according to information, were prevented from contacting them as they were asked to stay out while in the said camp.

How It Begins

Lt. James Layug took a witness by the arm and escorted him out of the courtroom before mid day. Another accused officer took Gen. Danilo Lim by the arm and led him out. Layug shouted “walang gagalaw”. Almost all the people in the RTC Branch 148 were stunned. Nobody, even the guards, prevented the walkout. Presiding Judge Oscar Pimentel ordered the sheriff to secure gen. Lim. But it was quite late, they were gone.
The detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a former Navy officer because of the Oakwood mutiny, stood up and moved fast to catch up with Gen. Lim.
There was a scuffle in the hallway of the 14th floor of the building. Before stepping into the elevator, Sen. Trillanes faced the media persons and announced, “now is the time to start a new life”. He said, “we are making the step of removing Gloria Arroyo from the presidency.” He added, “we are withdrawing our support from the government and asking President Arroyo to step down. We are calling on our fellowmen to join us here in Makati.”
The security guards and auxiliary police personnel were not able to prevent Trillanes and Gen. Lim from their march. They walked along J.P. Rizal Street with former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, former UP president Francisco Nemenzo and others including Roman Catholic priests. The soldiers wore red armbands and invited those people walking by the roadsides to join them. As they marched, they probably were inspired by the motorists who honked their horns loudly with thumbs up.
They proceeded to the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. The hotel security personnel were not able to prevent the marchers from entering the hotel. The group occupied the Hernandez and Rizal function rooms. They held a brief press conference where Gen. Lim read a prepared statement declaring their withdrawal of support from the government of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Sen. Trillanes, Gen Lim and company stayed in that second floor of Manila Peninsula Hotel. Gen. Jerry Barias tried to negotiate with Gen. Lim and Sen. Trillanes but was prevented by the Magdalo guards.
Shortly after 3:00 P.M. of November 29, assault was made using hundreds of bullets which badly damaged the building. The PNP threw tear gas in the lobby of Manila Peninsula Hotel, broke the door of the main entrance to allow the entry of the V150 or the Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).
With that, Gen. Lim said, “Descent without action is consent.” They gave up at 6:30 P.M. that evening of Thursday, November 29, 2007.
But why arrest the members of the media with Sen. Trillanes, Gen. Lim and company? They were there to fulfill their functions: to gather what are occurring events and to report it to the people. Arresting these members of the media who did not commit any crime, but to do a job is condemnable to the highest term.
The Filipino people and members of the 4th estate nationwide deserve public apology from the Commander In Chief, the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Make no repetition. /MP

No comments: