Broadcaster sues Kalinga governor

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines  – Jerome Tabanganay, broadcaster of dzRK Radyo ng Bayan-Tabuk City has filed cases of grave threat and physical injuries before the Kalinga prosecutors’ office against Kalinga Gov. Jocel Baac for assaulting and threatening him while he was hosting his noontime program.

Tabanganay also filed administrative and criminal charges before the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Baac last Monday.

“We are also readying filing a case of malicious mischief against (Governor Baac) for causing the radio station to be off the air for about five minutes,” Tabangay added.

Tabanganay, 44, said he was heartened by the outpouring of support from colleagues and other sectors who have been encouraging him to continue his crusade against anomalies in the provincial government despite threats to his life.

He cited the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and other media groups who have assisted him in filing the case against Baac. 

Earlier, former justice secretary Silvestre Bello III also offered to provide free legal assistance to Tabanganay. Bello condemned Baac’s act as “dishonorable, cowardly and barbaric meant to silence those that dare to speak and expose the truth.”

“What was committed by Governor Baac was not only trespassing and physical injury but a violation of the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the press and of expression,” he said.

Tabanganay said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma also called to inform him that an administrative case had been filed against Baac before the DILG.

At least two policemen were also tasked to provide security for Tabanganay since the assault happened.

Baac together with his bodyguards entered the radio booth where Tabanganay was having his regular noontime program and hit him with a microphone.

Tabanganay reportedly earned Baac’s ire for his exposes on illegal gambling and logging activities, reportedly going unabated in Kalinga.