Angeles City -- The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Chapter here in Pampanga (67 Kms north of Manila) joins the NUJP chapter in Olongapo City/ Subic in Zambales (about 130 Kms northeast of Manila.) in expressing sympathy and solidarity with GMA News.tv correspondent John Bayarong who was treated outrageously by a safety officer of Hanjin Heavy Industries Co., a Korean company based in Subic Free Port Zone in Zambales.

Ashley Manabat, NUJP Pampanga Chairperson said in a brief interview with Gitnang Luson News Service (GLNS, a Central Luzon-based web magazine) late this week: “Bayarong who is also an NUJP Olongapo and Subic officer was performing his constitutionally mandated duty of reporting the news.”

Bayarong and other members of the local press who witnessed the incident said Hanjin Safety Officer Ponciano Ogalesco Jr. uttered obscenities when Bayarong was interviewing him for Hanjin's reaction to the notice of violation issued by the SBMA against the company.

Bayarong was then preparing a follow-up story on the recent death of two Hanjin workers, which, according to SBMA investigation, may have been precipitated by "safety lapses" in the Hanjin shipyard.

A Journalist obligation

An earlier statement the Olongapo and Subic chapter stressed it is in the public interest that the issue be reported accurately and honestly by the press, and it is the journalist’s obligation to be fair to the subjects identified in his/her report, giving all involved in an issue equal opportunity to air their sides in the matter, hence, Bayarong's call to Hanjin.

The statement further stated that Ogalesco's reaction to Bayarong's queries negates a healthy exchange of information and the ventilation of issues crucial to the community, and just as reprehensible is the underlying culture of arrogance and cover-up that appears to be pervasive among key personnel of this foreign company being hosted by the Subic community.

“This is a serious issue and literally lethal to Hanjin employees and their families who continue to be wronged by company cover-up. Thus, the coverage of this issue should not abate, and should intensify instead” Ansbert Joaquin of Philippine Daily Inquirer and an NUJP National Director rejoined.

“Ogalesco's aggression was a facade to discourage the reporting of truth. But the truth about Hanjin should see the light so that all the inequities wrought by this company and its officials may be set right” he furthered.

Imminent Threat

Meanwhile, Manabat stated in the same interview with GLNS that NUJP Pampanga had linked arms too with other press organization in the province in condemning the threats received by another member of the media right here in Angeles City (83 Kms north of Manila.)

Grace Santos Associate Editor of Pampanga based Sipol Tabloid was forced to go into hiding due to death threats she had been receiving. The case stemmed from an article she wrote entitled "Entrapment sa Kampo, Tatlong Pulis Kalaboso [Entrapment in the camp, three cops arrested]" that came out last month.

Police Officer 3 Oliver Desilos, PO1 Mervin Manaloto and PO1 Rene Manuel from the Intelligence Division Drug Enforcement Unit from the Angeles City police force were caught allegedly extorting money from arrested drug dealers.