Iriga cop hit over arrest of radioman

LEGAZPI CITY , Philippines — Journalists based in Bicol have condemned the chief of police of Iriga City in Camarines Sur for arresting and detaining a radio reporter, who allegedly accessed the police blotter without his permission.

The Bicol Press Club, BPC-Camarines Sur Chapter, Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas-Camarines Sur Chapter and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Albay Chapter criticized Iriga City police chief L.t Col. Ralph Jason Oida for arresting and detaining Jose Rizal  Pajarez of the Radyo Natin and dzRH-Bicol.

The incident happened on Aug. 2 at the city police station, and was made public only on Aug. 9.

Oida was relieved from his post on Aug. 10 as a result of the incident.

The BPC said Oida’s action not only undermined the integrity of law enforcement, but also jeopardized the public’s trust in the guardians of the people’s safety and security.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security has urged Oida to drop the charges that he filed against Pajarez.