MANILA – The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) expressed deep concern over the arrest of Oliver Paul Mauricio, son of veteran journalist Orlan Mauricio, in Bulacan, warning that the incident poses serious risks to press freedom and media safety.
The NPC cited allegations of a warrantless arrest, forcible entry, and reported torture, stressing that if proven true, these would be grave violations of constitutional rights and due process. The group also condemned reports tagging Orlan Mauricio as an accomplice, calling it a “dangerous precedent.”
“When a journalist or a member of his family is treated in this manner, it inevitably creates fear and uncertainty among media practitioners and risks chilling independent reporting,” the NPC said.
Authorities are investigating the death of P/Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr., but the NPC emphasized that justice must not come at the expense of human rights and the rule of law.
The group urged the DOJ, NBI, and CHR to conduct immediate, impartial, and independent probes to ensure accountability, stressing that a free press can only thrive when journalists and their families are protected from intimidation and abuse of power. #END
News Source: Advocates Philippines | National Press Club