Blind items and the police

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

What is the purpose of our police officials resorting to “blind items” in the discharge of their duties? In the case of the mystery reporter who was alleged to have been caught on tape helping Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon escape the Manila Peninsula siege, the behavior of the police in dealing with this situation has become just another reason why the people of this country cannot help but question the professionalism of the police.

Most professional police organizations in this planet who have a suspect and have gathered the corresponding evidence to pin the suspect down on his or her alleged crime, would simply charge the person involved, without fanfare, and then allow justice system to take over and do its work. But the police officials in this country, after allegedly uncovering evidence that would implicate a member of the media in the escape of a wanted rebel, has chosen to engage the media in a silly guessing game that has rattled women journalists who felt being alluded to by the blind item, as well as reminded the media in general of this government's capacity and willingness to criminalize certain aspects of their job.

This not-so-subtle jab at the media, led by no less than top police officials of the land and the irrepressible Secretary of Justice, smacks of intimidation and certainly does not jive with pronouncements that press freedom in this country is not being threatened.

Unless there is a tactical reason for this guessing game, one that will result in the capture of the slippery Capt. Faeldon, there is no excuse for the very unprofessional handling of this case. Instead of rumor mongering, police officials should concentrate on their job, which is to gather evidence, and then go after those responsible. Those who would rather broadcast blind items would do the nation a favor by quitting their post and joining the ranks of media as showbiz gossip writers.*