BY RAYMOND AFRICA

THE PNP yesterday admitted it still has no goods on the reporter who allegedly aided Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon escape at the height of the Manila Peninsula standoff last year.

PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said police could not file charges as they are still in the process of investigating the supposed participation of the reporter.

"Just wait until the investigation is finished, then we can identify that reporter and hopefully file the appropriate charges," Bartolome said.

The PNP also continued to refuse to identify the reporter.

"Kailangan sufficient ang basehan before we name the reporter. Unfair naman sa kanya na pangalanan kapag hindi pa tapos ang investigation," Bartolome said.

He clarified the PNP has not named the reporter and it was the media that said it was Dana Batnag of the Japanese news service Jiji news who allegedly helped Faeldon escape.

Reports quoting police sources said a video footage from RPN 9 showed Batnag talking to Faeldon during the standoff and handing something that appeared to be an ID.

Bartolome said the issue on the alleged participation of the reporter in Faeldon’s escape should not have been sensationalized because the police and media were already talking on how the two parties could do their jobs in situations like the Peninsula standoff.

Bartolome belied allegations the PNP is resorting to a witch hunt or intimidating media.