The Bangsamoro regional government has issued a formal statement expressing serious concern over what it describes as the "irresponsible use of religious identification in media reporting." This comes in response to social media remarks made by veteran columnist and broadcaster Ramon Tulfo regarding the fatal shooting of a Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) official in Palawan.
Background of the Tragic Incident
The controversy stems from the killing of Joanna Infante, the former acting manager of the Puerto Princesa International Airport. Infante was shot by an unidentified assailant on February 18, 2026, while she was on her way to church. At the crime scene, investigators recovered four empty shells from a .45-caliber pistol, indicating a targeted attack.
In response to the murder, the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) established the Special Investigation Task Group Infante (SITG Infante) to focus exclusively on solving the case. According to police spokesperson Captain Bryan Rayoso, authorities are actively pursuing follow-up leads and have identified a person of interest. Additionally, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the area has reportedly captured images of two possible suspects, though details remain under investigation.
Tulfo's Controversial Social Media Post
Ramon Tulfo, a well-known media personality, referenced police information in a social media post about the case. He wrote, "Sira yung CCTV sa Puerto Princesa International Airport, ayon sa pulisya, ang 'Mga Muslim na taga Lanao del Sur ang mga suspects, ayon sa aking tweet-tweet." This statement explicitly linked the suspects to a specific religious and regional identity, which has sparked significant backlash.
Bangsamoro Government's Strong Response
In a statement dated February 23, 2026, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua emphasized the critical importance of ethical and responsible journalism, particularly in sensitive criminal cases. The government expressed deep concern over Tulfo's reference to religion in identifying alleged suspects, noting that such actions can fuel prejudice and discrimination.
The statement read, "Responsible journalism upholds the principle that religion or ethnicity should not be used to identify individuals when it bears no relevance to the matter at hand." It further lamented that Tulfo, despite his veteran status in journalism, has disregarded these ethical considerations. As of the statement's release, his post remained online without any clarification or apology.
Clarification on Justice and Accountability
The Bangsamoro government clarified that its criticism is not intended to detract from the gravity of the crime or the demand for accountability. "This is not to divert attention from the primary issue at hand. Let it be unequivocally clear that the Bangsamoro Government stands firmly with the call for justice for Ms. Infante," the statement asserted.
It continued, "The pursuit of justice for the victim must remain paramount, and we join all sectors of society in urging that those responsible be identified, prosecuted, and held fully accountable under the law." However, the government warned that justice must not come at the expense of fairness or social cohesion, highlighting that unnecessary references to religious identity risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes against entire communities.
Call for Ethical Journalism and Social Responsibility
The statement concluded with a strong appeal to media practitioners to exercise prudence and uphold professional standards. It noted that in a diverse nation like the Philippines, public statements can have far-reaching consequences, and those who shape public opinion must wield their words with care and integrity.
"We hope that this unfortunate incident can serve as an opportunity for reflection and constructive dialogue on the importance of ethical, responsible, and peace-promoting journalism in our society," the government stated. It underscored the immense weight of words in fostering social harmony and preventing discrimination.
As authorities continue to investigate the killing of Joanna Infante, calls for both justice and responsible reporting are intensifying. The case highlights the ongoing tension between media freedom and ethical responsibility in reporting on sensitive issues.
