P100-M libel suit mulled vs Davao newspaper

DAVAO CITY , Philippines - The chief executive officer of Dabawenyo Minerals Corporation (DMC) mulls filing a P100-million libel suit against a local newspaper for alleged malicious publication of a story against him. In an interview, DMC chief executive officer Said Sayre said the Mindanao Daily Mirror story on October 1, 2008 entitled "DMC officers seek TRO vs chairperson" is nothing but "concocted and malicious rumor." He said the writer, Judy Quiros, also failed to get his side of the issue before coming out with the story. Sayre said the wife of one of his accusers, Rex Gabrido, is also an employee of the local daily, thus fueling his suspicion that the story was published discredit him and his firm. Mindanao Daily Mirror editor-in-chief Marietta Siongco said Thursday that their story was based on the facts stated in the complaint of three former DMC officials filed before Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10. She admitted that Gabrido's wife, Marites, is the assistant advertising manager of their company but added that no employee could influence her to come out with the story. Siongco said they are ready to publish the side of Sayre anytime he wishes to be interviewed by them. In the Daily Mirror story, Sayre was accused of forgery and fraud by former company officials identified as Habib Mahalail Hassan, DMC vice president for operations; Rex Angelo Gabrido, corporate secretary and Hadji Nouh Daiman, director for operations. – Sun.Star Davao For more details, click on link.