TV broadcaster receives more threatening texts after airing Ampatuan-related report
CMFR/Philippines – A television broadcaster in Manila received more threatening text messages last 27 and 29 July 2013 after receiving threats via SMS last July 24. The messages were sent in connection with the broadcaster’s report on a tax evasion case filed against the lawyer of one of the members of the Ampatuan clan who reportedly bought property owned by his client.
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Several members of the clan are under trial for allegedly masterminding and carrying out the November 2009 election-related massacre in Ampatuan town which killed 58 men and women of whom 32 were journalists and media workers.
Cecilia “Ces” Oreña-Drilon of ABS-CBN Network tweeted last 29 July 2013 screen grabs of threatening text messages she received on June 27 and 29.
A person using the mobile number +639981715664 initially posed as Drilon’s informant for her Ampatuan-related report and asked the broadcaster to go to Bulacan, a town just outside of northern Manila.
“… here dis is my new (number, can we meet in Bulacan) ces?” the text message sent on July 27 said.
According to ABS-CBN’s news report, when Drilon refused to go to Bulacan, the same texter sent another message on July 29, saying the following in Filipino and in all caps: “You’re going to explode next; I’m not stopping until you’ve paid for what you did!”
Ces Drilon tweets screen grab of threats sent to her via SMS
On 30 July 2013, Drilon tweeted that her real informant also received a text message on July 27 from the same mobile number, this time the sender was posing as the broadcaster.
“… dis is ces, my new (number, let’s meet in Bulacan, I have something to discuss with you)” the text message to Drilon’s real informant said.
Ces Drilon tweets screen grab of a text to her real informant
CMFR tried to call the mobile number but received a message that it was out of service.
Just five days earlier, on 24 July 2013, Drilon had received a threatening message from another unregistered mobile number just a few minutes after her report on the Ampatuan lawyer aired.
Drilon had reported a tax evasion case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against Arnel Manaloto, a lawyer of massacre suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr. Manaloto allegedly acted as a “dummy” and bought properties owned by his client.
“I posted the text for my own protection, as insurance in case (the sender) made good on his threat,” Drilon told CMFR last 25 July 2013.
“If anything happens to me, this lawyer (Manaloto) is responsible. It is irrefutable.” Drilon tweeted on 29 July 2013.
Death threats against Filipino media practitioners have a history of being carried out. In a recent case, radio host Edgardo Adajar reported receiving a death threat last 29 December 2012, but was still shot dead last 2 January 2013. No suspect has been arrested to date.
Ces you are in my thoughts and also praying for your safety. A very courageous broadcast journalist. God bless and keep you safe always sis.