COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has issued a strong rebuke to journalist Ramon Tulfo, calling his recent social media posts “irresponsible” for using religious labels to identify criminal suspects.
The controversy stems from Tulfo’s reporting on the killing of a Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) official in Palawan.
Key Details of the Incident:
- The Victim: Jonafa Infante, a CAAP official at the Puerto Princesa International Airport, was fatally shot on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, while walking toward a church in Puerto Princesa City.
- Tulfo’s Claim: In a social media post, Ramon Tulfo claimed the perpetrators were “Muslims from Lanao del Sur.”
- BARMM’s Response: Chief Minister Macacua emphasized that responsible journalism dictates that religion or ethnicity should never be used to identify individuals unless relevant, as it reinforces harmful stereotypes.
Statements from Chief Minister Macacua:
- Ethical Considerations: Macacua stated that Tulfo “chose to disregard” basic ethical considerations in journalism. He noted that the post remained online without clarification or apology as of February 23.
- Seeking Justice: Macacua clarified that his statement was not meant to divert attention from the crime itself. He affirmed that the Bangsamoro government stands with the call for justice for Ms. Infante and urges that the real killers be held accountable.
- Social Cohesion: “Language that unnecessarily associates criminal acts with a religious identity directly reinforces prejudice and discrimination against an entire community,” the BARMM leader added.
Support from Other Leaders:
The Chief Minister’s stance was echoed by other regional leaders, including Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who also slammed the “Muslim” tag, arguing that such labels damage social cohesion in a diverse nation.