Police arrested radio broadcaster and station manager Erwin “Ambo” Delilan late Monday night, January 19, over an unjust vexation case, drawing criticism from media organizations that warned the arrest threatens press freedom and raises serious due process concerns.
Authorities served the warrant shortly after 11 p.m. at Delilan’s residence in Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona town, Negros Occidental.
Delilan manages 104.7 Hapi Radio FM and writes for Rappler.
In an interview on Tuesday, January 20, Delilan said he respects the complainant’s right to file a case but challenged how authorities handled the process, particularly the service of the subpoena.
“They already cut my right to reply at the complaint stage,” Delilan said.
He said authorities sent the subpoena to Barangay Cudangdang—where he was born but no longer resides—instead of his current address in Barangay Alicante.
Delilan said the case does not shame him, stressing that it directly relates to his work and journalistic style.
“We need to challenge those in power because they are funded by our money. We pay taxes, so we have the right to question them,” he said.
Delilan said the arrest strengthened his resolve to continue speaking out.
“If they can do this to me, they can also do this to others who are in a weaker position,” he added.
Delilan said he will fight the case, confirmed that a lawyer has agreed to assist him, and has begun processing his bail after the court set it at P3,000 for three counts.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines – Negros Island Region (NUJP-NIR) described the arrest as an assault on press freedom and said it formed part of an intimidation campaign against journalists who criticize those in power.
The group cited alleged due process violations and urged authorities to respect Delilan’s rights and release him.
NUJP–NIR said Delilan’s arrest stemmed from his exposés and criticisms on issues of public interest, particularly the alleged abuse of authority and discrimination by some provincial government officials.
Meanwhile, The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)– Negros Occidental Chapter also criticized the arrest, warning that actions taken without full procedural transparency chill press freedom and undermine the public’s right to information.
The group urged authorities to clearly explain the legal basis and procedures behind Delilan’s arrest and to ensure his fair and dignified treatment.
Both organizations said they will closely monitor the case and stressed that while journalists remain accountable under the law, authorities must never use legal processes to harass or silence the press.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.