DOJ to probe NBI, media clash

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice will investigate an altercation between National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents and members of media following a supposed drug sting at past midnight yesterday.

Operatives of the NBI’s Task Force on Anti-Illegal Drugs were reportedly trying to force media workers to sign as witnesses to the drug sting along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay.

The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 mandates that a member of media has to be present as a witness to the actual anti-drug operation.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, in a press conference yesterday afternoon, told members of media that they “have no duty to testify if you were really not part of it.”

“Members of media should have been at the raid itself,” he said in Filipino.

Remulla’s statement comes after the NBI posted an apology on its Facebook page. The bureau said it is looking into the matter and taking steps to ensure that the incident will not happen again.

“We appreciate the role of the media in drug-related operations and commit to maintaining a fair and professional relationship with them,” the NBI said.