Generals' group 'alarmed' over Erwin Tulfo's outburst vs. Bautista

A group of retired and active generals in the military and police on Monday slammed radio broadcaster Erwin Tulfo for "abuse of press freedom" for berating and publicly humiliating Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista during his radio program.

In a statement, the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) said it "is deeply saddened and seriously alarmed by the abuse of press freedom by Mr. Erwin Tulfo with his profanity and crude language to get the attention of a senior government official, DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista."

Bautista is a retired general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"Mr. Tulfo’s outburst during his program 'Tutok Tulfo' portrays unprofessional conduct of a media practitioner, sets bad example to striving and future media men, and leaves negative impression to the general public," AGFO said.

The group also said recognition of limitations imposed by the law, professional ethics, and societal norms is crucial for press freedom to flourish.

The Philippine Military Academy's Alumni Association had earlier said that it is considering to file cases against Tulfo for his "degrading remarks" against Bautista.

Tulfo already apologized for his "excessive ranting" but stood by his opinion that Bautista should be easily reachable.

"I apologize for the ranting, excessive ranting. Kung may mga words ako na nagamit, siguro uncalled-for, ako (ay) humihingi ng paumanhin. Pero 'yung pagpupuna po kay General Bautista., ('yung) pagtawag ko sa kanya na walang kuwenta, inutil, hindi ko babawiin 'yon kasi trabaho naman ng bawat opisyal, magtrabaho," Tulfo told anchor Weng dela Peña on Radyo Pilipinas on Friday.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Sunday reportedly directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to recall the police escorts assigned to Erwin Tulfo and his brothers.

PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde said that behavior is one of the factors being considered to determine whether or not to pull out the police security escorts that are detailed to private individuals. —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News