Wednesday, December 24, 2008 2 press groups fight over Adonis' custody By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE release of Alex Adonis from the Davao Penal Colony (Dapecol) was as dramatic as he was incarcerated for libel after two media groups "fought" over the custody of the broadcaster Tuesday.
Reports reaching Sun.Star Davao showed that the National Union of Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) and the National Press Club (NPC) argued right at the office of the director of Dapecol as to who should take custody of Adonis after his release.
Superintendent Benjo Tesoro said he released Adonis to NPC president Benny Antiporda and his parents. But in a press conference at the Apo View Hotel Tuesday afternoon, Adonis was nowhere to be found.
Antiporda said Adonis went with the NUJP. The released broadcaster allegedly promised Antiporda that he would attend the press conference at Apo View but until it was over, no Adonis appeared.
Asked if the NPC is claiming responsibility for Adonis release, Antiporda said they are not. He revealed though that they have been working for Adonis' release for the past two months.
He narrated how they approached House Speaker Prospero Nograles and television personality Jeannette Lomanta to issue affidavit of desistance to allow the release of Adonis.
Antiporda said they have also allocated money for Adonis as livelihood assistance.
It was learned that NUJP Davao official Dodong Solis fetched Adonis from Dapecol. Reports were rife that Adonis will be brought to the Davao Medical Center for medical check-up.
Unconfirmed reports said Adonis will also be presented to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who is reportedly on his way to the DMC as well.
Efforts to confirm the report from NUJP or Duterte proved futile as of this posting.
