When the police come knocking

When someone knocks at your door and introduces himself as a police officer who is not in uniform, how would you feel? I’m pretty sure nervous would be the answer. A police officer not in uniform but on “official business” can’t mean anything good, at least in this country. This was a recent cause for concern after police officers visited several journalists a few days after the murder of Percy Lapid. Percy Lapid, or Percival Mabasa was a radio commentator critical of the former and present administrations, particularly its presidents.

According to the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO), the officers went to the homes of the journalists to find out if they were under threat. It was done for the security of the journalists after the killing of Lapid. But these visits did not go well with many. Many felt it was more a form of intimidation or harassment than concern, partly because of the image of the PNP which they are still trying to change. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman likened it to the infamous “Oplan Tokhang” during the first months of the Duterte administration. We all know the outcome of that program. Therefore, people have become wary of the police.

It was also concerning why the police officers knew where the journalists lived. Does the PNP have a file on all journalists, especially those critical of the government? These are the questions that will be raised if an investigation into the visits pushes through at the Senate. NCRPO head Police Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo has apologized for the incidents. DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos has also apologized for what he called “surprise visits”. This was a case of a good intention executed poorly. PNP chief Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has ordered an investigation because apparently there was no order from the higher-ups to do such visits.

And there lies the problem. No order from higher officials and yet things like these can happen. There wasn’t even any coordination with the local officials. As if they did not want any attention while they performed the visitations. Are we going back to the old days when the police could just do what they want? But in this age of social media, nothing no longer goes unnoticed.

The Philippines is the seventh most dangerous country for journalists according to the 2021 Global Impunity Index. Something we cannot be proud of, even if we went down two places. Many in government, especially the previous administration says the press is free. Comparing it to the time of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., sure. But why are there still journalists losing their lives for doing their job? If one is critical of someone or the government, why is his safety automatically in peril? I don’t call that free.