Arrest of Negros Occidental journalist alarms media groups

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Police arrested a Negros Occidental-based journalist late on Monday, January 19, on charges of unjust vexation, prompting protests from media groups in the Negros Island Region who warned of its chilling effect on press freedom.

The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) served the arrest warrant on Erwin “Ambo” Delilan, a contributor to Rappler and manager of Bacolod City-based radio station Hapi FM, at his home in EB Magalona town, Negros Occidental, shortly before midnight.

A copy of the warrant showed it was issued on January 12 by Judge Phoebe Gargantiel-Balbin of the Bacolod Regional Trial Court Branch 45. The document showed no details except that the case was for alleged unjust vexation committed through information and communication technology.

Delilan, a former president of the Negros Press Club, stayed overnight at the CIDG office and was still awaiting release after posting bail as of early Tuesday afternoon, January 20.

Delilan said he was unaware of the case filed against him.

“I do not know who my accuser is or what specific act I am being accused of,” Delilan said.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in Negros Island Region (NIR) condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.

“The case slapped on Delilan is pure intimidation and harassment meant to silence him and the entire press,” the group said in a statement, alleging that the complaint apparently stemmed from Delilan’s reporting and criticism of provincial officials on issues of public interest.

NUJP-NIR chairman Chito Berjit said Delilan was denied due process.

“He should have been notified first or called to a dialogue instead of being arrested as if he committed a grave offense,” Berjit said, urging police and the courts to ensure Delilan’s immediate release and safety.

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in Negros Occidental also expressed concern, saying the circumstances of the arrest raised serious questions.

“While we respect the rule of law, the timing and manner of his arrest suggest a lack of procedural transparency,” the local KBP chapter said in a statement signed by its chairman, Jeony Bigay.

Bigay said arrests that bypass standard protocols could undermine press freedom.

“Legal processes must not be used to intimidate or silence journalists,” he said, adding that the group would continue to monitor the case closely.

Unjust vexation is a minor offense under Philippine law that penalizes acts causing annoyance or distress without legal justification. – Rappler.com