The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has condemned the arrest of veteran DZRH reporter Misael Boy Gonzales Jr., calling it “clearly retaliatory and an abuse of the law.”

Gonzales was taken into custody by the Manila Police District (MPD) on Wednesday over an alleged violation of the Data Privacy Act for reporting details of an arrest warrant against Manila Councilor Rosalino Ibay Jr.

The councilor, who is also a retired police colonel, is reportedly facing allegations of lascivious conduct under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page, NUJP emphasized that the case against Ibay, particularly involving an alleged abuse of a minor by a public official, is a matter of public interest.

“Reporting on it is Gonzales' duty and not a crime,” the group said.

“This is not the first time that the Data Privacy Act, which recognizes exceptions for journalistic work, has been used to intimidate, harass, or retaliate against media workers,“ NUJP noted.

The group fruther said while the law is intended to protect personal information, it has also been used to deny journalists access to essential information and as a tool for “lawfare” suits to discourage or punish coverage.

Gonzales has been temporarily released from the custody of the MPD after posting bail on Thursday morning, March 12.