DZRH provincial reporter Romy Gonzales has disclosed that he received death threats from La Paz, Abra Mayor and congressional candidate Joseph “JB” Bernos.
According to Gonzales, the threat contained profanities and a direct warning that the sender would come back for him.
He said he received a threatening message via Facebook Messenger from Bernos at around 10:11 p.m. on April 21.
"Taanado ka Romy. Very irresponsible," the alleged threat read.
Moreover, in a subsequent video call that lasted two minutes and four seconds, Bernos allegedly shouted: “Ptnin mo, Mr. Gonzales. Babalikan kita."
The threat is believed to have stemmed from Gonzales’ news report aired on April 21, which detailed a shooting incident in Tayum, Abra that left one person dead and resulted in the arrest of a suspect.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH’s Magandang Umaga Pilipinas (MUP) on Thursday, Gonzales said he is in good condition but expressed concern for his safety and that of his family.
"Syempre, nangangamba. Paminsan binabantayan natin [ang] likod natin, baka may sumusunod," said Gonzales.
"‘Yung na-ireport kasi natin, nangyari 'yung shooting incident diyan sa Tayum. Okay na lang sana ‘yan, kasi sabi ko nga sa kanya, magbigay s’ya ng report [kung mayroon man], pwede naman nating i-correct," he added.
Gonzales noted that the possible source of Bernos’ anger was the mention of his group in the news report, which may have offended the mayor.
He emphasized his willingness to hear Mayor Bernos’ side and to correct any inaccuracies in his report in the interest of fairness and accuracy, but expressed concern over the mayor’s aggressive response.
"Kaya sabi ko, pwede ko namang i-correct. Kung hindi niya grupo 'yon, pwedeng i-correct naman. Pero hindi 'yung talagang mumurahin tayo to the max at pagbabantaan pa," he explained.
Gonzales also acknowledged the wide reach of DZRH’s broadcasts, especially in provinces like Abra.
He highlighted DZRH’s strong social media presence, noting that many Filipinos regularly follow their updates both online and on television.
"Alam naman natin in social media at alam naman natin na napakatindi 'yung dating ng DZRH, kasi hindi lang sa cable 'yung channel 18, ang dami kasing nanonood na mga kababayan po natin dyan sa lalawigan ng Abra," said Gonzales.
"Hindi lang 'yung mga ordinary kundi mga pulitiko rin. Para bang kung minsan, sinusubaybayan ako," he added.
In a statement, MBC Media Group strongly condemned the threat directed at DZRH’s provincial correspondent.
"Mariing kinukundena at lubos na ikinababahala ng MBC Media Group ang ginawang pagbabanta ni Abra congressional candidate at La Paz Mayor 'JB' Bernos sa aming DZRH provincial correspondent na si Romy Gonzales,” the statement read.
Furthermore, MBC Media Group–DZRH emphasized that there is no place for violence or threats in a democratic society.
The network vowed to hold those behind the threat accountable to ensure that similar unacceptable incidents—deemed an attack on press freedom—do not happen again.
As of writing, Mayor Bernos has not released any official statement in response to the allegations.
