Letter to The Editor

Republic of the Philippines
NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
POLICE REGIONAL OFFICE 1
Camp BGen Oscar M FIorendo, Parian, City of San Fernando, La Union

August 19, 2020

MR. JERRY YAP
Hataw Diyaryo ng Bayan
Rm 103, National Press Club Bldg.,
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

Dear Mr Yap,

It has come to my attention that you accused me ¡n your article dated August 18, 2020 in Bulabugin. Hataw Diyaryo ng Bayan that I had been one of the recipients of the grease money being given by a certain gambling Lord in Pangasinan by an alyas “Tony Oh”. Let me quote your exact words : “Bukod daw kay Col. Maranan, maging si Police Regional Office I Director P/BGen.  Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., ay kasama umano sa mga binabahagian ng ‘grasya’ ng jueteng king na si Tony Oh?!”

You deliberately mentioned my name without hesitation as if you know me too well.  You published your article without trying to confirm or get my side on such allegation.

May I, therefore, demand for you to make a rejoinder in your report to rectify your malicious, preposterous and baseless accusations by presenting my side for you to publish.

For your information, my first order of the day upon my assumption of office last May 10, 2020 as the Regional Director of Police Regional Office 1 was the “No Take Policy” of our Chief PNP, Police General Archie Francisco F Gamboa.

As of this writing, let me inform you that in my 34 years of police service. I have never authorized anybody to use my name ¡n any illegal transactions anywhere I was assigned.

I have not talked to any operator of gambling in Pangasinan. I have not authorized anybody to collect on my behalf or use my name when it comes to any form of illegal activities in Pangasinan.

I only have one guidance to all my people – for everyone to adhere to the guidance of any sitting Chief PNP nothing more nothing less.

I am encouraging you to substantiate your accusations and show proof that I have received such, otherwise a public apology is in order for maligning my personal character.

Leadership is simply defined as a big ship followed by the smaller ships. Hence, the guidance and policies of any sitting Chief PNP must be adhered to by all subordinate units. It must be followed, obeyed and adhered otherwise we do not have any business or moral ascendancy of leading our people.

As a seasoned journalist and former president of the prestigious press corps, the people expect from you to be more responsible and true to your oath in the spirit of fair and just reporting.

If ever, you have anything against me, you should not resort to character assassination using the press freedom.

Again let me demand for you to rectify your accusations against me, otherwise, I will ensure that legal actions will be taken against you and those involved in this malicious publication.

One piece of advice, you do not create unnecessary enemies because one day you or any member of your family might need police assistance.

I will pray for you and your cohorts that you will always be safe and healthy to face the daily challenges in life.

May our Almighty God bless you and enlighten you when you wrongfully accuse people for the reason known only to you.

Sincerely yours,
RODOLFO S AZURIN, JR
Police Brigadier General
RD, PRO I