Mere appeal for responsible reporting, not censorship – Palace exec

Press Undersecretary Cerge Remonde took exception yesterday to a report claiming that Malacañang is trying to "muzzle" a Zamboanga radio station that has been covering ongoing military operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

"In the interest of national security, specifically the welfare of the innocent men and women who are being held against their and their families’ will by the Abu Sayyaf, we merely appealed to the Radio Mindanao Network for responsible reportage," Remonde said.

Remonde was interviewed in Zamboanga by RMN Radyo Agong – the supposed object of "censorship" – by its lead anchorman, Rey Bayoging, yesterday.

Bayoging himself admitted that Remonde merely appealed for responsible reporting in view of the extremely precarious situation facing the hostages being held by the Abu Sayyaf.

Remonde revealed that even RMN owner Butch Canoy phoned him and assured Malacañang that the radio network supports its appeal and will continue helping toward the speedy resolution of the hostage crisis.

He said it is rather unfortunate, if not deplorable given the tense situation in Zamboanga, that a simple request citing the importance of preserving the lives of innocent men and women could be misconstrued.

Remonde also defended Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao, saying the latter also merely appealed to the network.