Radyo Natin-Iriga reporter Jose Rizal 'Joeriz' Pajares said he was surprised when he found out about the new policy implemented by the Philippine National Police (PNP), prohibiting journalists from accessing police blotters.
"Nabigla po ako at nagtaka kung bakit nangyari 'yon sa akin, samantalang araw-araw ay nakasanayan ko nang [tumingin sa mga police blotter] ang aking gawain gawa ng aking trabaho sa Radyo Natin Iriga," Pajares shared in an interview with DZRH Damdaming Bayan.
"Nabigla po ako na meron palang bagong policy [kasi] dati naman po 'pag nagpaalam ako sa isang PNP sa Iriga, talagang sabay binubuklat ko na po 'yung police blotter dahil po nakikipag-unahan ako sa balita," he added.
He mentioned that he immediately apologized for his action upon learning that it was prohibited.
"Dati ko naman pong ginagawa 'yon, humingi po ako ng sorry sa Chief-of-Police, dalawang beses akong humingi ng sorry. Sabi ko, 'pasensya na po kasi may bago na po pala tayong policy, hindi ko po alam,' gano'n na po 'yung nangyari," he explained.
'Warrantless arrest'
Pajares recounted that when he was caught attempting to open the police blotter, he was immediately brought into the investigation room and read the Miranda doctrine.
"Tapos pinapasok po ako sa investigation room, ang utos naman ng Chief-of-Police, binasahan po ako ng Miranda Doctrine," he added.
He also mentioned that it turned into a 'warrantless arrest,' and he was subsequently taken to a cell.
"Warrantless arrest po, warrantless arrest. [Tapos dinala ako] sa selda na," he shared.
According to Pajares, the police officer who apprehended him, Chief Investigator Police Officer John Puso, was directed by the Chief of Police, Lt. Col. Ralph Jason Oida.
Pajares admitted that he hadn't really opened the police blotter extensively, so he had no idea about its content or whether the PNP Iriga was monitoring any confidential cases.
"Ewan ko nga lang po kasi hindi ko pa naman po nabubuklat masyado 'yung police blotter [tapos] pinagsabihan na 'ko na bawal 'yon, nagviolate daw sa Data Privacy Act," he confessed.
Furthermore, he stated that he understood his limitations as a media practitioner, and he wouldn't report on matters that he knew were confidential.
"Alam ko naman po ang limitasyon ko as a reporter, 'pag hindi pupwedeng ibalita, hindi ko po binabalita 'yon kasi may nakalagay na not to aired [kaya] hindi ko po binabalita 'yon," he added.
After spending three days in detention, he was eventually bailed out with the help of his station manager, Raul Sodsod, and his wife, with a bail amount of P10,000.
Pajares was detained for three days due to the alleged act of opening a police blotter.
