Been getting a lot of SMS and emails from people all over asking that bloggers should make a stand for Mark Verzo and the harassment he got from the NBI. All hatred points to Sen. Loren Legarda.
Before we go on an all out war, let’s review the facts and the apparent misinformation that’s been going around the blogosphere.
First, Mark Verzo was not arrested. There was no arrest warrant against him by the NBI. He was invited to go the HQ for questioning. He could have declined that invitation but he didn’t knowing there’s nothing wrong with what he’s doing.
The NBI raid was due to a Search Warrant issued by an unnamed judge. I suppose that he has jurisdiction over Alabang where Mark Verzo lives. If there’s one person to ask why the raid was made on Mark’s house, it would be the judge. Search warrants are not issued lightly. They should have probable cause to do so.
Lastly, there’s no Martial Law going on. If there was, the NBI didn’t have to get a judge to sign a search warrant and we didn’t get to see Mark on TV.
If you want a legal perspective from a lawyer, check out the The Warrior Lawyer on his explanation about the issue.
Yes, I’m all for helping those who are oppressed or harassed but let’s straighten up our facts. It’s sad to read all those blogs citing news reports and claiming Mark Verzo was arrested when in fact he wasn’t. It doesn’t legitimize our claim for responsible citizen journalism.
Update:
Basapa.com has a video footage of a TV report saying Mark was arrested and let go after the NBI couldn’t find anything to charge him with. It still boggles me why the NBI would arrest him in the first place when there was no probable cause to file any charges. If there was indeed an Arrest Warrant, was he read his Miranda rights or was he allowed to get a lawyer? Nevertheless, the footage shown was disturbing at the very least. This issue needs more digging.
Update:
Some lawyers said fingerprinting and mugshots are SOP. Come to think of it, I remember getting fingerprinted and mug shots the last time I went to the NBI office to get a travel clearance.
The picture taken when you get your clearance is a photo ID. that goes to your file and your copy of the clearance.
The mugshot is linked to your records of arrest.
A mug shot (also known as a mugshot, head shot, or, properly, booking photograph[citation needed]) is a photographic portrait taken after one is arrested.Fron and sideviews.
It was invented by Allan Pinkerton.
When you are invited to answer some questions, they do not take your photograph, neither your fingerprint.
Not unless kumanta ka.
Whoever said that this is a standard procedure should be lectured about Arrest and Warrants101.
NBI should invite this dance group too because they’re promoting porn site.. on primetime TV http://www.pepster.net/2007/08/23/dance-group-brand-name-gone-bad/
This “arrest-or-no-arrest” argument is worthless until Mark Verzo explains what choice he had in the matter. Was he left with no choice but to go with the NBI arres… er, “investigatory” team? And the “mug shot as SOP for questioning” seems strange to me; I think this is quite a different thing from getting your clearance done, especially if you’re seen on national television posing for your mugshot.
Yuga, I understand the need to be clear with the facts, and I fully support you there. However, it’s hard to deny that Verzo’s been made to undergo some pretty unpleasant treatment from the law that even the MSM has difficulty distinguishing from a proper “arrest”. (See mugshot.)
The way I see it, splitting hairs over whether Verzo was “arrested” or not is counterproductive, and does nothing to promote the debate on what actually constitutes free and protected speech. The chilling effect on free speech created by the Verzo “arrest” is real, however we define “arrest”.
So, GMANews.TV was misinformed too. They said he was arrested.
“It is clear irresponsibility from the author and probably just riding on the issues that they may not clearly understand.”
Some people are just too understanding.
legarda is just sending message to webmasters: don’t mess with me!
I think Verzo just decided it was high time he went into show business.
Looks like Mark got invited for a “photo shoot” as well. :D
People get their mugshots taken when they’re invited for questioning? I had no idea.
I mean the original video, not the one at Basapa. Basapa was more than obvious, it was conclusive.
You have to be aware that the police and other “peace officers” have several techniques they could use to go around an uncooperative suspect even without proper documents. The video was clear to me, even if GMA was “overly fair” with the arresting faction.
Loren is supposed to be one of the good guys, now it’s clear that if you piss her off she can turn into a regular trapo.
Yup, there are warrantless arrests too.
Yes, Mark Verzo was arrested. Why else would he go with the NBI, without a lawyer! Tanga ba sya?
Article 201 is BS. Wanna arrest Boy Abunda for preaching gay love? Andami sigurong mga socialite na nakulong na kung totoo itong Article 201 na to.
Abe, I was “arrested” once. No warrant. Police said “hot pursuit” but I was in my house eating lunch. Kung wala Tatay ko doon nabugbog na ako siguro sa presinto. May nakaaway kasi akong anak ni kung sino.
As blog reader, I think it is wise to QUIT reading those blogs claiming an arrest was made. It is clear irresponsibility from the author and probably just riding on the issues that they may not clearly understand.
Abe, Here’s my reply:
http://tinyurl.com/ywby5s
:)
I was about to ask the same question when I read some blogs saying he was arrested. Oh well…
You know people, it’s a common thing for us to add and remove parts of the whole story. In tagalog, nagiging tsismis.
Nice information Yugs. I hope that would help to clear out some mind dwelling misinformation.