Barangay Kagawad Lambasted for ‘Verbally Assaulting’ Inquirer Reporter

Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter vs Zambales Barangay kagawad

A Barangay Kagawad from San Antonio town in Zambales was lambasted by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) after allegedly “verbally assaulting” a reporter from the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Inquirer reporter verbally assaulted
Photo Credit: Rappler

Joana Rose Aglibot, a correspondent of Inquirer filed a police blotter against Barangay San Miguel Kagawad Siegfred Gonzales who reportedly attacked the journalist and her family around 10 pm last May 26, 2020.

Based on the incident report, the commotion started after Gonzales, who lived a few meters away from Aglibot’s house, pointed a flashlight towards the mother of the latter.

Aglibot’s mother was in their garden at the time.

While pointing the flashlight towards her mom, Gonzales began shouting. “Tumigil na kayo…. ‘yang anak mong reporter, sige tumawag ka ng pulis,” he said.

The incident prompted Aglibot to take her phone and record the scene. Then, her father confronted Gonzales, telling the latter to stop with his uproar.

“But Gonzales was later joined by his mother who also shouted and hurled insults at the Aglibots. The barangay official also pointed his flashlight at Ms Aglibot several times, hurting her eyes,” noted NUJP in a statement.

However, it is still unclear for Aglibot and her family the reason behind the attack which even prodded the mother of Gonzales to join.

“But Ms Aglibot has been reporting on how local officials respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and had earlier earned the ire of village officials when she wrote about some households receiving allegedly tainted rice during the village’s relief operation,” NUJP stated.

According to Rappler.com, Aglibot is vying to file a complaint against the Barangay official at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

What can you say about this report? You may share your thoughts or insights in the comment section below.

For more news and the latest updates, visit this website more often.

Leave a Comment