REGIONAL Executive Judge Arthur Abundiente of the Regional Trial Court (RTC-10) urged members of the media to always be there as one the witnesses, particularly on drug-related operations.

Abundiente emphasized the media’s presence is important starting from the police operation and during the subsequent court hearings.

“Media has an important role not only to the witness but also to protect the accused,” Abundiente said.

Abundiente served as the guest speaker and inducting officer of the new set of officers of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club’s 72nd Induction of Officers and Directors on Saturday evening at Philtown Hotel and Restaurant.

Abundiente said he is aware that there are some “unscrupulous” policemen who plant evidence to shortcut the justice system.

“You are one of those who can prevent that because you will prevent people from incriminating innocent people by planting evidence,” he said.

Judge Abundiente said that under Section 21 of the Republic Act 9165, as amended, there are three insulating witnesses, namely a local official, a representative from the media, and a representative from the Department of Justice.

EAGLES. Regional Executive Judge Arthur L. Abundiente of the Regional Trial Court (center) gives the Eagles fraternal handshake with this paper’s Editor-in-Chief Cong B. Corrales (left) vice president for print while Frank Mendez, club president. Judge Abundiente was the induction officer and the guest of honor of the 72nd Induction of Officers and Directors 2023 of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club on March 11 held in Philtown Hotel and Restaurant. Photo by Edwin Iyo

“All three must be there and the media is one of the important ones there,” he said.

In the absence of one of the insulating witnesses the case might be dismissed, Abundiente added.

Media presence during operations also prevents the “recycling” the confiscated contraband, said Abundiente.

Meanwhile Froilan Gallardo one of the Oro Press club directors was also inducted in the middle of the program as he came late during the proper induction.

Other officers who were inducted last Saturday were Frank Mendez (President), Allan Mediante (Executive Vice President), Cong B. Corrales (Vice President for Print_, Jao Gumapac (Vice President for Broadcast), Hanne P. Abris (Corporate Secretary), Gal Banaag (Treasurer), and Joey Nacalaban (Auditor).

Other inducted directors were Annaliza Reyes, Amor Barlisan, Jigger Jerusalem, Antonio Albania, and Alwen Sariling.

Directors Joel Jacobo and Nef Luczon failed to attend the induction ceremony.