Members of media were stopped by a checkpoint in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur after their coverage of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ celebration of the 45th founding anniversary led by Ka Oris of the National Democratic Front (photo courtesy of Kilab Multimedia)
by JOHN RIZLE L. SALIGUMBA
Davao Today
Agusan del Sur — Members of the media were forced to stop at army and police checkpoints on three separate occasions Thursday after covering the 45th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Radio, TV and online reporters from Davao and Butuan numbering to about 20 were first stopped at Talacogon town 4pm and were asked about the details of their coverage which they refused to provide.
The media were part of the convoy of individuals and groups who were invited by Ka Oris, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front Mindanao.
They were able to pass through but were stopped again in an unmarked checkpoint outside the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion headquarters.
When soldiers were asked about the identity of their commanding officer, they refused and held the media further without due justification.
Shortly after, an unidentified man wearing shorts and a t-shirt came and went about his way and tried to open the media’s vehicle. He later refused to grant an interview.
The last checkpoint was manned by personnel of the Prosperidad Police Station.
Prosperidad Police Chief Nilo Texzon said it was just a “standard operating procedure.”
The CPP usually invites members of the media to cover its annual commemoration. (John Rizle L. Saligubma, davaotoday.com)
Communist Party of the Philippines, CPP NPA, ka oris, NPA
