NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
NPC Raises Alarm Over Journalist's Son's Arrest, Urges Independent Probe
Photo credit: TST/NPC
The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) has voiced serious concern over the controversial arrest of Oliver Paul Mauricio, the son of veteran journalist Orlan Mauricio, in Bulacan—warning that the incident could have deep implications for press freedom and the safety of media workers.
In its statement, the NPC said allegations of a warrantless arrest, forcible entry into a private home, and the reported torture of Mauricio are extremely troubling. The group stressed that if these claims are proven true, they represent major violations of constitutional rights and due process.
What has further alarmed the media community is the move to tag journalist Orlan Mauricio as an accomplice, a development the NPC says sends a dangerous signal.
“When a journalist or a member of his family is treated in this manner, it inevitably creates fear and uncertainty among media practitioners and risks chilling independent reporting,” the NPC said.
Authorities are currently investigating the death of P/Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr., but the NPC emphasized that seeking justice should never come at the expense of human rights or the rule of law.
The organization noted inconsistencies in the police’s own reports and the emergence of coercion and abuse allegations—factors that heighten the need for a probe that is both credible and free from the influence of the officers involved in the arrest.
Because of this, the NPC is urging three key agencies—the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Commission on Human Rights—to conduct immediate, parallel, and independent investigations to uncover the truth and ensure accountability.
The group stressed that safeguarding press freedom goes hand in hand with ensuring that journalists and their families are not subjected to intimidation or state power misuse.
According to the NPC, a truly free press exists only when media workers can operate without fear and when institutions remain committed to transparency and the rule of law.
In its statement, the NPC said allegations of a warrantless arrest, forcible entry into a private home, and the reported torture of Mauricio are extremely troubling. The group stressed that if these claims are proven true, they represent major violations of constitutional rights and due process.
What has further alarmed the media community is the move to tag journalist Orlan Mauricio as an accomplice, a development the NPC says sends a dangerous signal.
“When a journalist or a member of his family is treated in this manner, it inevitably creates fear and uncertainty among media practitioners and risks chilling independent reporting,” the NPC said.
Authorities are currently investigating the death of P/Staff Sergeant Renato Casauay Jr., but the NPC emphasized that seeking justice should never come at the expense of human rights or the rule of law.
The organization noted inconsistencies in the police’s own reports and the emergence of coercion and abuse allegations—factors that heighten the need for a probe that is both credible and free from the influence of the officers involved in the arrest.
Because of this, the NPC is urging three key agencies—the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Commission on Human Rights—to conduct immediate, parallel, and independent investigations to uncover the truth and ensure accountability.
The group stressed that safeguarding press freedom goes hand in hand with ensuring that journalists and their families are not subjected to intimidation or state power misuse.
According to the NPC, a truly free press exists only when media workers can operate without fear and when institutions remain committed to transparency and the rule of law.
Feb 4, 2026
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