MANILA, Philippines — Reporting on criminal cases is the norm for Gus Abelgas and David Oro.
During their cub-reporter days, both were assigned to cover cops and crime, one of the most demanding and often stressful yet rewarding beats in journalism. Gus and David said they had seen a lot of nerve-wracking cases in the many years of covering the beat.
No wonder, Gus and David are used to discussing and, in a way, helping investigate every crime incident being presented to them in S.O.C.O. sa DZMM, now airing on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo for one hour and a half every Saturday at 6 p.m. It aims to find answers to serious crime cases with the help of police and forensic experts. On analog TV, Gus is the solo host of the said investigative docu-drama program.
“We discuss issues of crime, especially recent events that are talk of the town,” said Gus in the vernacular on the kind of topic they tackle on the show. “In discussing them, the possibility of solving the crime is high like when we air ‘wanted’ personalities, we usually get 90-percent response from the public. We get calls right away na nakita nila o may impormasyon agad na naibibigay.”
David added that tokhang cases are also part of the discussion. “I couldn’t remember anymore the details pero meron ding nananagot na pulis na-involve sa kaso. It is true that people become more aware once a crime incident has been broadcast in any media entity. They give information for our police to have a lead and that I could say is an accomplishment on our part. That’s why the management decided for our show to have more airtime in order to find a solution to as many cases as possible.”
Although both find the pursuit of truth a great opportunity to create a name and gain public trust or credibility, Gus and David also know they come with hard work. David recalled that in his heyday as a police reporter, he would often report things beyond the police department’s news release on the incident.
“I always try to get in contact with all, if possible, witnesses and/or victims of a crime. Sometimes, you need to feel the emotion or grief of the family. Meron akong pagkakataon na pumunta sa mismong burol to stay with the family at hindi makakaila na mararamdaman mo ang sakit at ganun din sila nararamdaman nila na sinsero ka sa ginagawa mo.”
Gus has also learned to deal with criminals and victims in the many years he’s been in the field, covering the most trivial to the most brutal incidents. In fact, he already lost count of how many times his reports were used as evidences in court.
“We always take both sides, especially on my part,” said Gus on his news-gathering approach, “because there are suspects who are wrongly accused that’s why it’s a must for me to have a personal assessment if the person involved is the real culprit. You could sense if the person is lying based on his eye and body movements. Well, there are also some who talk voluntarily.”
In fact, eight suspects were convicted due to his reports. His interviews and videos while covering crime cases turn out useful when they are sought and presented as evidence “because I also testify in court. And when I interview a suspect, I make sure there is no policeman beside me kasi pag meron parang mag-aalanganin pang magsalita. Importanteng makuha yung tiwala n’yo sa isa’t-isa.”
As a result, receiving death threats are no longer surprising to him. He considers them part of his chosen career. “I’ve been here for 30 years, concentrating on this career so namanhid na ako. I experienced receiving death threats from people who were put to jail partly due to my testimonies.”
Until this day, Gus doesn’t like having a bodyguard. He even politely turned down an offer from a police general to have a bodyguard assigned to him “because I believe that God will give me the greatest protection. Umaasa ako sa proteksyon ng Diyos.”
David, on the other hand, is reminding the public to be alert all the time and be aware of what’s happening around them. Their program has a portion where they give tips to people on how to avoid becoming victims of crime.
“Sometimes, it is complacency that causes us to become victims, especially in times when we least expect it. Through watching and listening to our program, you will get ideas on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime and be reminded of things we tend to overlook or forget,” said David who has been with ABS-CBN for over 30 years now.