Reporters hit Intramuros towing firm

The Manila Police District (MPD) Press Corps denounced yesterday the alleged abuses committed by a towing company operating in the Intramuros area in Manila after the activities of its crew resulted in damage to a car and the loss of a video camera belonging to a beat reporter last Monday.

Gadmer Layson, 36, reporter of tabloids Pilipino Star Ngayon and Pang Masa, filed robbery charges against four towing personnel of Ron-Ron’s Towing Services identified as Hector Reyes, Joseph Baliganio, Patricio Binaobao and Alberto Gomez for the loss of his video camera worth P40,000 and damage to his car’s handbrake and compartment.

Layson also included in his complaint Intramuros Administration chief Dominador Ferrer.

In his sworn affidavit before the police, Layson said he parked his red Mazda sedan (TRT-421) at around 1:30 p.m. in front of the Department of Labor and Employment building in Intramuros to cover a press briefing.

Layson’s car had press stickers of his company.

After the coverage, the reporter was informed by a DOLE security guard that his vehicle was towed to the Intramuros Administration impounding area.

At the impound lot, he was told to redeem his car for a discounted fee of P1,500.

However, Layson said that during his drive out of the impounding area, he noticed that the trunk was open. When he checked, he discovered his video camera missing.

He also noticed that the lock of the back compartment was tampered, indicating it was forcefully opened.

The car’s handbrake was also destroyed.

Layson and his colleagues at the MPD Press Corps denounced the Intramuros Administration for its disregard of the media and its arbitrary towing of vehicles parked inside Intramuros.

Layson lamented that his car had press stickers and that he had a certification from DOLE to cover a press briefing at the agency. –Nestor Etolle