FORMER Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) executive director, Usec. Paul M. Gutierrez, lauded the Supreme Court for granting his petition to transfer the venue of the trial for murdered Kidapawan broadcaster, Eduardo ‘Ed’ Dizon, from Davao City to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
“Justice for fallen members of the press remains in the government’s agenda despite my termination of service,” said Gutierrez, whose term of office was cut short by Malacañan last September 12.
Gutierrez was compelled to ask the SC to transfer the venue of Dizon’s trial, citing threats to the security of witnesses and perceived bias by the local court in favor of the accused, Dante Encarnacion Tabusares, the alleged mastermind.
The Davao court early this year acquitted Sotero Jacolbe, an accomplice of Tabusares, while Tabusares himself was granted bail.
Gutierrez further argued that with Tabusares operating a scheme similar to the ‘Kappa Ministry’ closed down by the government in 2019 for being an investment fraud, Tabusares has the resources to influence the court while also putting the lives of witnesses at risk.
Citing the reasons argued by the PTFoMS, the SC Third Division granted the transfer of the venue last July 17. However, a copy of the decision was only received by the task force recently.
Gutierrez in particular praised the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) and Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, for assistance in convincing the court to grant the motion. Remulla is the chairperson of the PTFoMS.
“This transfer of venue is a big boost to our campaign to give justice to our slain colleagues,” Gutierrez stressed.
The SC directed the Clerk of Court of Branch 16 of the Davao RTC to transfer the case folder to the Executive Judge of the Quezon City RTC within 3 days from receipt of the order and for the Quezon City RTC to immediately raffle the case after receipt of the case folder.
The responsible judge is also ordered to “hear and decide on the cases with dispatch.”
Gutierrez also called on the Palace to immediately appoint his successor, noting that there are still many unfinish business the PTFoMS must focus on to ensure the protection of the rights to life, liberty, and security of all members of the press.
These include the memorandum of understanding the PTFoMS signed with the Commission on Elections last July to ensure media’s rights during the elections.
“With the election already just around the corner, there is a need to work out the needed mechanisms to ensure that members of the press can perform their jobs free from fear and apprehension in partnership with the COMELEC,” the former official said.
Tabusares allegedly orchestrated the murder of Dizon over the latter’s vehement criticism of Kappa in his radio program over at Brigada FM. Tabusares is the “coordinator” of Kappa in Kidapawan, Cotabato, and nearby areas.
Dizon was killed on July 10, 2019, by motorcycle riding suspects. However, working closely with the Philippine National Police, the PTFoMS managed to arrest the alleged gunman, Junell Jane Andagkit Poten or “Junell Gerozaga,” 33 years old, last May 2 in Makilala, Cotabato.