CHR probes alleged cops' harassment of reporters in Leyte

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday said it has launched its own investigation into the alleged harassment of two police officers against reporters in Leyte.

“CHR-Regional Office VIII is closely monitoring the development of this case simultaneous with the conduct of a parallel probe,” the CHR said in a statement.

“As always, the Commission stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders in ensuring media safety and upholding press freedom,” it added.

The Leyte Police Provincial Office identified the concerned cops as Police Staff Sergeant Rhea May Baleos and her husband, Police Staff Sergeant Ver Baleos.

They have been relieved of their duties and reassigned to the provincial headquarters while an investigation is ongoing.

The members of the media were covering a land dispute between Moises Empillo and Anecita Nogal with her husband Virgilio Nogal when the alleged harassment happened.

''The said rice field was mortgaged to PSSg Baleos in the year 2017. During the dispute, PSSg Baleos called the Pastrana Municipal Police Station for assistance,” the Leyte police said.

“An argument ensued between PSSg Baleos and Mrs. Anecita Nogal pertaining to the legality of possessing the said rice field,'' it added.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) earlier said Rhea reportedly grabbed the cellphone of a San Juanico TV reporter while the latter was taking videos and pushed him away.

"A few minutes later, the three journalists heard gunshots. Tomas said he saw policemen in uniform firing the shots," the NUJP said.

Pastrana Police acting chief Police Major Darwin Dalde had said there was "no truth that PNP personnel from this station fired their firearms and that the said shooting incident was just disinformation." —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News