Bacolod Radio Station Condemns Surveillance of Blocktimer

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A local radio station has strongly condemned alleged surveillance activities involving one of its blocktimers and commentators, who was reportedly followed by unidentified individuals in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.

In a statement posted on social media, K5 News FM Bacolod said commentator Eric Tenerife was allegedly surveilled by four unidentified men at his residence in Hinoba-an on the morning of May 24.

Citing accounts from his neighbors, the station said two men on a motorcycle were seen taking photos of Tenerife’s house that morning.

Witnesses also reported that the same individuals inquired about his whereabouts at one of his regular coffee shops nearby.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any form of harassment, surveillance, or threat aimed at members of the media,” the station said.

According to K5 News FM, police and the Hinoba-an municipal government have been informed of the incident and have expressed serious concern.

Authorities have reportedly committed to conducting a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of Tenerife and the local community.

K5 News FM also affirmed its support for Tenerife and his right to speak freely and safely.

The station urged the public to remain vigilant and support efforts to protect press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists.

The incident comes a month after unidentified suspects fired shots at the home of another radio blocktimer in Talisay City, six years after a similar attack in September 2019.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) earlier called on media practitioners to report threats related to their work and to coordinate with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) also expressed concern over the reported surveillance of journalists, including the incident involving Tenerife.

They encouraged affected media workers to report such cases to authorities to deter future harassment and to help establish accountability.

“We remind colleagues of the data privacy implications of taking and sharing photos without consent,” the group said in a Facebook post.

“At the very least, journalists should not be conducting surveillance on fellow media workers,” it added.

The NUJP also recommended downloading and reading the Philippine Journalists’ Safety Guide.