Brigada sanctions two broadcasters
After two of their broadcasters drew flak for their manner of interviewing an alleged minor rape victim, Brigada News FM said they will be imposing administrative sanctions on broadcasters Atty. Juril Patiño and Dennes Tabar, as the station also promised to uphold values of integrity, compassion, and responsibility.
Brigada’s area manager for the Visayas, Raul del Prado, acknowledged the serious allegations of misconduct against Patiño and Tabar and said they are taking the complaint seriously and that an investigation is in order.
“To Brigada News FM, safeguarding the dignity and best interests of the child is of paramount importance… Thus, we will ensure that protocols are followed diligently, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable individuals, such as the alleged four-year-old victim,” said Del Prado in a statement.
Del Prado also committed to upholding the highest standards of decency and ethics in broadcasting.
“As a proud member of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, we prioritize the wellbeing and protection of the communities we serve above all else... Our profession is after all imbued with public interest,” he added.
While Brigada said the intention behind the interview was to help the victim and her family get justice, they also recognized the gravity of the allegations regarding the mishandling of the interview.
“As such, Brigada has taken immediate internal action to implement administrative sanctions,” Del Prado added. As of press time, it was not clear what sanctions these were.
Brigada said Patiño and Tabar “have expressed profound regret for any inadvertent harm caused and have publicly expressed their sincere remorse as well as willingness to accept responsibility for any errors that may have been made.”
“We at Brigada remain to be steadfast in our commitment to protecting the welfare of women and children which lies at the heart of our mission to serve the public... We will uphold the highest standards of broadcast decency and will continue to be a voice for the voiceless… We want to assure the public that we will always uphold the values of integrity, compassion, and responsibility in all our endeavors aimed at helping and inspiring others,” their statement further read.
Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP)-Cebu joined the rest of the media community in strongly condemning the actions of Patiño and Tabar.
NUJP also mentioned in its statement field reporter Jonalyn Jumabis who assisted the two in conducting the live interview with the minor.
“During the interview on Wednesday, March 13, Patiño and Tabar made the child recount the most deplorable instances of cruelty and communicated in a language that can only be considered lacking in humanity," their statement read.
NUJP also reminded Brigada of a part of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act that says “any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child as a human being is considered Child Abuse.”
Furthermore, as stated by KBP-Cebu Chapter, the Broadcast Code of 2007 mandates the protection of children from further emotional distress and trauma.
NUJP said they are extending their assistance to the families and legal defenders of the victim in pursuing a just and impartial outcome while welcoming Brigada’s attempt to rectify the errors committed.
They also commended the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists, STET Women in Cebu Media, and KBP-Cebu Chapter for their show of support to the child
They also said a public apology must be issued by the offenders.
“We, as journalists, must stand together and learn from this,” the NUJP said. -