For alleged threat, physical injuries Broadcaster files raps vs NegOcc police director

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – A radio broadcaster in this city has filed civil, criminal and administrative charges against the Negros Occidental police director for alleged threat, physical injuries and violations of ethical standards of public officers.

El John Castaño, assistant station manager and anchorman of RMN (DyHB) Bacolod, filed the charges at the Bacolod Prosecutor Office against Senior Supt. Allan Guisihan, provincial police director, whom he accused of hitting and threatening him at the Silay City Police Station Sunday.

Guisihan however denied Castaño’s allegations, saying there were other reporters present when the incident happened who could testify that Castaño’s allegations were not true. The police official also dared the broadcaster to undergo a medical examination to prove the accusations.

Based on his complaint-affidavit filed before Prosecutor Montano Medel Jr. on Tuesday, Castaño said he went to Silay City on Sunday to cover the killing rampage in Brgy. Kapitan Ramon.

He stated that when Guisihan arrived at about 1 p.m., he approached the official politely, and asked if he could interview him on the massacre, to which he replied in Ilonggo, “Where are you from? From what station?” Castaño said that when he told him he is from DYHB, Guisihan asked, “What is your name?” to which he replied by introducing his name.

Castaño then alleged in his complaint that Guisihan said to him: ”Ah! So you are the one attacking me on air! Next time, you should be careful in interviewing me! I do not like your style as if teaching me what to do!”

Castaño said he explained to Guisihan that he was not attacking him personally but only raising the issue of One-Strike Policy regarding illegal numbers game operation in Negros Occidental. “That’s why I am being friendly to you Sir because I have no personal grudges against you,” the broadcaster narrated.

Castaño further alleged that Guisihan told him: “I don’t care if you don’t make friends with me, I am not afraid of media people. I have no debt of gratitude to any government official here.”

The broadcaster said he eventually got Guihisan to grant the interview about the massacre in Silay City but, after the interview, the police official allegedly “jabbed him with his right hand in closed fist, and then said, ‘Next time, when you do interview, it should be purely interview!’”

Castaño accused Guisihan of act of violence, arrogance and threat that had caused him physical harm, fear for his life, sleepless night, anxiety, and psychological effect on his being.

He said he filed civil and criminal charges against Guisihan for threat, physical injuries, violation of the Code of Ethical Standards for Public Officers, and violation of the PNP Reform Law. He also filed administrative complaint for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Guisihan, for his part, told The Freeman he is willing to be investigated and even welcomed the filing of charges against him so the truth will come out. He reiterated that he did not hurt Castaño and only shrugged off his hand and pushed him away because Castaño wanted to put his hand on his shoulders.

Guisihan emphasized that it is improper for Castaño to do that as he was in uniform and they do not know each other personally. He recounted that Castaño approached and introduced himself to him and asked for an interview about the incident in Brgy. Kapitan Ramon. When they went out of the police station after the interview, he said he only told Castaño not to put words into the mouth of the interviewee, citing the live radio interview with the broadcaster in the past.

Meanwhile, Negros Press Club president John Elmer Ubaldo said he has received a copy of Castaño’s affidavit, and he will refer the matter to the committee on press freedom. (FREEMAN)