NUJP: Dela Rosa reacting without reading Reuters report

MANILA, Philippines — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines on Wednesday hit Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa for his “utterly asinine and potentially dangerous” remarks against news agency Reuters.

“At the very least, he owes the men and women of Reuters, particularly writers Clare Baldwin and Andrew R.C. Marshall, an apology and a pledge to ensure their safety from the possible consequences of his irrational and irresponsible utterances,” NUJP said in a statement.

The group also criticized dela Rosa for telling media outlets how they should report the news and for reacting without reading the Reuters report.

“It is truly alarming that a man whose job is supposed to be governed by strict rules of evidence has many times shown a propensity for shooting from the lip, this time pillorying a news organization for a report he has not even read yet while glossing over the reason for the report— the existence of possible murderers and sundry lawbreakers—within the service he leads,” it said.

NUJP added: “Alas for you, Mr. Dela Rosa, the media have faced worse dangers than loose-lipped cops who choose to blame their shortcomings on others.”

On Tuesday, dela Rosa insinuated that drugs lords could be behind the release of a Reuters special report on the alleged police killing of three men in Tondo, Manila last October.

“Tina-timing nila. Saka nila nilalabas ‘yung mga ganon, damaging reports about the PNP kung kailan tayo babalik. Ibig sabihin, ‘yung mga kalaban natin, ayaw talaga tayong pabalikin sa war on drugs,” he said.

Dela Rosa also told Reuters: "What I can tell Reuters is that if you want the PNP to look bad, you can do it. You can really do it [...] If you want to present a very objective presentation, you can also do it. If you want to be biased in our favor, you can also do it. So they have a choice.”

On November 27, Reuters released an investigative report detailing an alleged drug operation carried out by members of the Manila police in Barangay 19 in Manila.

Reuters released video footage from four security cameras showing several police men in the morning of October 11, 2017—a day after Duterte released a memo stripping the police of control over the drug war.

The Manila Police District Superintendent said an “in-depth” probe will be launched regarding the matter.

READ: Palace 'authenticating' video in Reuters report on drug war