- Bypassed Davao media expressed frustration over Canada’s arrest coverage
DAVAO CITY journalists expressed dismay after being sidelined in the arrest of Paulene Canada, the co-accused of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in the child abuse and trafficking charges.
National media outlets broke the news and provided details of the arrest, while local journalists were left in the dark for hours.
On Thursday, July 11, local reporters learned of Canada’s arrest through news reports from national media outlets around 10 pm, despite the operation right in their backyard earlier that day.
Inquiries to the Police Regional Office XI (PRO XI) spokesperson, Major Catherine Dela Rey, initially yielded no results, further fueling the bubbling frustration.
In a Facebook group chat of Davao media and Police Regional Office XI, the reporter then asked Police Regional Office XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey about the details of the arrest of Canada.
Major Dela Rey responded to the group chat around 10:22 p.m. saying “Good evening po Sirs/Maam…wait pa po ako sa details. I’ll post it here as soon as obtained.”
Many have already shared their sentiments like “Question Ma’am Cath. Wala pay details ang PRO 11 o wala pay go signal na release sa Davao media ang details?” a reporter asked.
“Fairness daw sa justice system..pero fairness sa information pakyas na kay manila media ra sila..sorry na lng ta dri,” another journalist lamented.
While national outlets reported on Canada’s arrest and subsequent transfer to Manila, local journalists were unable to confirm any details or obtain an official statement from PRO XI until the following morning.
On Friday morning, around 8:02 a.m., Major Dela Rey messaged the group saying “I am not authorized to talk about the issue.”
“However, there will be a press briefing this morning at Camp Crame. I’ll update you later as to the time,” she added.
During a Friday press briefing at Camp Crame, DILG Secretary Benjur Abalos confirmed Canada’s arrest and provided additional details.
However, the local media questioned why they kept in the dark, especially considering the operation occurred in their area.
Brig Gen Nicolas Torre, PRO XI director, clarified to a Manila reporter that Canada was taken directly to the regional headquarters due to its proximity to the arrest location. However, the explanation did not fully address the concerns of local journalists.
“So, wala’y bypassing na nahitabo kung sabton nato ang tubag ni sir Torre? Kay duol ra man daw ang PRO XI sa balay ni Canada?” another reporter asked.
Another media practitioner also asked, “Ma’am Cath, nakaminos ba sa Davao media si General Torre (Is General Torre belittling the Davao media)?”
Major Dela Rey then responded. “No po. It was a directive from national headquarters that the press briefing would be done at Camp Crame.”
The incident has reignited concerns about the lack of transparency and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local media in Davao City. The treatment opened the old wound of national agencies prioritizing the NCR media over community newspapers.
“It’s nothing new they are resorting to the same practice before that by passing the local media,” a veteran journalist said. “Let us make a representation to please notify us. They should also respect us.”
