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Manila Bulletin devider devider Tulfo outburst vs. DSWD chief abuse of press freedom -- AGFO

Tulfo outburst vs. DSWD chief abuse of press freedom -- AGFO

Published Jun 3, 2019 05:00 pm
By Aaron Recuenco  A group of retired and active police and military generals lashed out Monday at a broadcaster whom they accused of abusing press freedom for verbally abusing a former Army officer who now heads the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). For the Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO), what Erwin Tulfo did to DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista is seriously alarming as it somehow normalizes the use of crude language just to get the attention of a public official for interview. "Mr Tulfo's outburst during his program 'Tutok Tulfo' portrays unprofessional conduct of a media practitioner, sets bad example to striving and future mediamen, and leaves negative impression to the general public," AGFO said in a statement. "AGFO abhors such abuse of freedom of expression," it added. It all started when Tulfo, a known supporter of President Duterte, criticized Bautista for failure to grant him an interview for his program. What appeared to have pissed off Rulfo was when the staff of Bautista told him to write a letter first. Tulfo made some colorful language in attacking Bautista, eveb blurting out threats of physical harm if they cross paths. The incident did not sit well with some military personnel who immediately came out to defend Bautista. Bautista, a member of the Philippine Military Acadeny Class of 1985, retired at a general, his last post before his retirement is commanding general of the Philippine Army. He also served as ground commander during the Marawi City siege. The backlash resulted in the Tulfo brothers being stripped of the privilege to maintain two police escorts each on orders of Interior Secretary Eduard Ano and approval of national police chief Oscar Albayalde. Ano is a retired military general. The two Marines security escorts of Erwin's eldest brother Mon Tulfo, were also ordered recalled. "AGFO believes that the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution provides clear and unmistakable message that for press freedom to continue and flourish, every citizen must recognize the limitations imposed by the applicable laws of the land, professional ethics and societal norms," it said in a statement.
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