Philippines: Presidential Chief of Staff appeals for media blackout

Sam Mediavilla
The Manila Times
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Manila (Philippines):
Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor appealed to the media on Sunday not to cover the standoff in the Marine headquarters in Fort Bonifacio so as not to worsen the situation.
Defensor made the appeal before the tension at the camp was defused, with Marine Col. Ariel Querubin agreeing to stand down. Defensor said the situation in Bonifacio was no longer a typical political exercise and, if not handled properly, could lead to bloodshed.
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He made it clear that Malacañang is not trying to restrain the media but that it should let the Marines and the Armed Forces settle the problem among themselves. Budget Secretary Ronaldo Andaya, Economic Development Chief Romulo Neri and Trade Secretary Peter Favila aired the same appeal.
Defensor hinted that if the media organizations ignore Malacañang’s request to temporarily stop covering the event, the government might be forced to take control of the media entities. Reporters covering the Palace were asked to leave Kalayaan Hall by 6 p.m. and file their stories from the Arlegui guesthouse.