By Jigger J. Jerusalem, Correspondent .

THE chief of the Malaybalay police station has admitted that a mistake was made when one of his personnel posted a graphic accusing those who raise the issue on the closure of ABS-CBN as supporters of terrorism.

In a phone interview Friday afternoon, Lt. Col. Jerry Tambis, Malaybalay police chief, has confirmed that one of his officers was responsible for posting the graphic.

“One of my personnel did it, and has already apologized for what happened,” Tambis said.

He said there was no intent to malign ABS-CBN and that the graphic was intended for “left-leaning” groups who use a variety of issues to criticize the government.

The graphic, posted on Facebook July 15, depicted individuals holding placards supporting ABS-CBN, whose petition for the renewal of its franchise for another 25 years was denied through a majority vote of the House of Representatives’ legislative franchises committee on July 10.

Each placard was identified with progressive groups such as Gabriela, Altermedya, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Bayan Muna, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, among others.

Written on the right side is “Malalaman mong sila ay para sa TERORISMO, Papatulan lahat ng isyu, Basta laban sa GOBYERNO. No to rebellion. No to terrorism.”

Below the graphic were the email address, social media accounts and contact details of said police station.

As of the Friday afternoon, the post has already been removed, although netizens were able to take a screenshot of the graphic.

“He [Tambis] was made to explain to the chief PNP,” said Lt. Col. Silvestre Asiong Jr., the provincial police spokesperson, in an interview Friday, in reference to Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa.

Tambis said the graphic that was posted on their Facebook page was not an original but was shared from another social media account and was edited by his personnel.

He said the police regional office at Camp Alagar called him up and ordered him to remove the post shortly before noon on Friday.

“We made a mistake and we are sorry for it,” he added.

A quick look at the Malaybalay police Facebook page shows reminders to people on criminal activities such as gambling, child abuse, human trafficking, bullying, violence against women and children, illegal drugs, and rape.

It also posted advisories on coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and news articles related to it, as well as photos documenting the police station’s activities.