Alternative press reporter harassed, tagged as “leftist”

The lawyer of an Army sergeant accused of serious illegal detention and kidnapping allegedly harassed and tagged as “leftist” a journalist from the  alternative media organization Bulatlat.com  outside a regional trial court in Malolos, Bulacan on September 16.

Bulatlat.com’s Janess Ann Ellao was covering the court hearing on the enforced disappearances of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan when lawyer Bonifacio Alentajan approached her and asked if she was from the media. When Ellao said yes, Alejatan asked to be interviewed.

Alejatan is the lawyer of Staff Sgt, Edgardo Osorio, co-accused of retired Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. Both have been charged with serious illegal detention and the kidnapping of Empeno and Cadapan.

Ellao told CMFR in a phone interview that while Alentajan was being interviewed, the lawyer began touching her arm and elbow. Ellao moved away. The lawyer then shouted at her for not paying attention to what he was saying.

Ellao asked Alentajan why he was shouting at her.  Alentajan then walked away and shouted that Ellao was impolite.

Another journalist, according to Ellao, overheard Alentajan saying “Putang ina! Yun reporter na yun, leftist naman. (Son of a bitch! That reporter is a leftist)” while walking out.

Bulatlat.com and Altermidya condemned the alleged sexual harassment and red-tagging of Ellao. Individuals so tagged, like Empeno and Cadapan have been  abducted and even killed allegedly by State security forces in the Philippines.

CMFR tried to reach Alentajan through his law office but he was not available for comment. The firm also refused to give any comment on the issue.