NATIONAL Capital Region Office director, Brigadier General Jonnel C. Estomo on Sunday apologized to some members of the press who cried foul after their private residences were visited by plainclothes officers checking for ‘threats’ in the aftermath of the murder of radio block-timer Percy Lapid in Las Piñas City last October 3.

“In as much as the NCRPO is concerned about the safety and welfare of our mediamen, we confirm that it was our gesture to know if there are threats on their lives and of their families in order to assess the security assistance that we have to accord to them,” said the Metro Manila police chief.

According to him, “in our commitment to protect them from danger and ensure their safety, we have been reaching out to our friends from the media especially those who have been receiving threats.”

“Unfortunately, a police officer reportedy have visited a media personality in civilian clothes. The intention is good but unfortunately, this have caused undue alarm and fear,” he said in the wake of complaints aired by a GMA-7 reporter.

“However upon learning of what happened on the ground, I immediately ordered all commanders from District Directors down to the Chiefs of Police and Station Commanders to stop and refrain from doing the same,” Brig. Gen. Estomo said.

“Though we have a good intention to this endeavor, I personally apologize to all our media friends and investigation is already on place pertaining to this incident. The said police officer was already identified and summoned. An investigation will be carried out by the Chief of Police of Marikina City pertaining to this incident,” he added.

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Alfred P. Dalizon