By CESAR JOLITO III
The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) – Negros Occidental Chapter has expressed grave concern over the arrest of Bacolod City-based media practitioner Erwin Delilan yesterday, citing possible violations of due process and press freedom.
In a statement, KBP-Negros Occidental Chairman Jeony Bigay said the organization respects the rule of law and the judicial process but questioned the circumstances surrounding Delilan’s arrest.
Delilan, the station manager of 104.7 Hapi FM in Bacolod, was arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Monday evening, January 19, in E.B. Magalona for unjust vexation.
The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Phoebe Gargantiel-Balbin of the Regional Trial Court Branch 45, with a recommended bail of P1,000 for his temporary liberty.
Bigay said the timing and manner of his apprehension raised serious issues on procedural transparency and the protection of constitutional rights.
“As members of the media, we are not above the law,” the local KBP chapter read.
“However, we stand firm against any move that utilizes legal maneuvers to intimidate, harass or silence journalists,” the statement added.
The KBP emphasized that due process is non-negotiable, stressing that every individual has the right to be informed of the charges against them and to immediately seek legal counsel.
It warned that arrests that bypass standard protocols could create a “chilling effect” on the media, undermining press freedom and the public’s right to information.
The organization also called on implementing authorities to provide a clear and public explanation regarding the procedural basis of Delilan’s arrest, urging the Philippine National Police and relevant judicial bodies to ensure that his rights are fully protected and that he is treated with dignity and fairness.
KBP-Negros Occidental said it will closely monitor the situation and expressed solidarity with Delilan and his family.
The group added that it would not hesitate to take further action to defend press freedom and the rights of its members.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement concluded./CJ, WDJ