The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) ordered on Saturday, Oct. 15, all police commanders in Metro Manila to refrain from sending policemen to the house of media practitioners, which appeared to have been given a go-signal as part of the efforts to secure them following the killing of broadcast journalist Percival Mabasa.
NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo also apologized to journalists, especially, to a television reporter who earlier disclosed the visit of a cop in civilian attire to their house on social media.
Estomo confirmed that the visit is part of the efforts to secure media practitioners and their families, especially those who have been receiving death threats.
'In our commitment to protect them from danger and ensure their safety, we have been reaching out to our friends from the media, especially those who have been receiving threats. Unfortunately, a police officer reportedly visited a media personality in civilian clothes. The intention is good but unfortunately, this have caused undue alarm and fear," said Estomo
"However, upon learning of what happened on the ground, I immediately ordered all commanders from District Directors down to the Chiefs of Police and Station Commanders to stop and refrain from doing the same," he added.
Estomo earlier ordered all police commanders to coordinate with media organizations and hold dialogues as part of the assessment to determine who among the media practitioners in Metro Manila are receiving death threats.
The order was issued after the killing of Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid, on Oct. 3 in Las Piñas City. Police are yet to solve the killing.
"In as much as the NCRPO is concerned about the safety and welfare of our mediamen, we confirm that it was our gesture to know if there are threats on their lives and of their families in order to assess the security assistance that we have to accord to them," said Estomo.
"Though we have a good intention to this endeavor, I personally apologize to all our media friends and investigation is already on place pertaining to this incident," he added.
Estomo said the policeman who visited the television reporter was already identified and summoned.
He said an investigation will be conducted.