An incident report made by outgoing PPC President Eric Jimenez said Supt. Jean Fajardo shouted at them and prevented them from entering the convention center even after politely introducing themselves as members of the PPC and that they had a part at the beauty pageant.
“Wala akong pakialam kung media kayo… (I don’t care even if you are from the media…),” Fajardo reportedly shouted. Jimenez said Fajardo even tried to shove them away.
Jimenez was with photojournalist Jojo Due at the time of the incident to confer the “Darling of the Press” Award.
Members of the press, led by the PPC, have earlier chosen the Darling of the Press for the traditional annual award given by the media at the coronation night.
“But instead of listening to our request, she arrogantly shouted at us and even tried to shove us away,” Jimenez complained.
Fajardo’s arrogance reportedly rises out of her alleged claims of being “untouchable” because of her alleged closeness to the Pineda family. She was the chief-of-police of Lubao town prior to her assignment here, earning media attention when she had her head shaved in the aftermath of the Mamasapano massacre of 44 PNP Special Action Force troopers.
Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Pampanga Chapter (NUJP-Pamp.) has joined the PPC in condemning the arrogant behavior of Fajardo.
NUJP-Pamp. said Fajardo should be more circumspect in dealing with the media especially in official functions.
“Her arrogant behavior should not be tolerated before it could escalate into another condemnable incident towards the press,” the media union said.
The Metro Angeles Journalists Association,
Inc. (MAJAI) also joined in condemning Fajardo. MAJAI president Jay Pelayo IV said Fajardo’s arrogant behavior should be nipped in the bud. Pelayo said there is no room for unprofessional policemen or policewomen in a progressive society like this capital city which prides itself as “The Habitat of Human Excellence.”
Calls to Fajardo for her side were unanswered as of press time.
