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Inos: Selective media preference not administration’s policy
Acting governor Eloy S. Inos said it is not the administration’s policy to select members of the media who should attend a press conference.
“If it’s a press conference, it’s a press conference. Not only the members of the media but any member of the public who is interested in getting updates should be welcomed,” Inos said.
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Ramon Mafnas conducted a press conference last Monday, Feb. 13, regarding the ongoing investigation into the killing of bartender Emerita “Emie” Relata Romero.
Saipan Tribune and KSPN2 reporters were only present at the press conference as Mafnas said he does not want Variety police’s beat reporter Andrew De Guzman to be there. Mafnas said he wants instead Variety’s reporters Emmanuel T. Erediano and Tammy Doty. Erediano and Doty did not come.
On Thursday, Mafnas conducted a press conference regarding Romero’s case. KSPN2 reporter Tina Sablan and Variety reporter Tammy Doty were invited.
After learning about the then ongoing press conference, Saipan Tribune called Police Officer Jason Tarkong to ask why this reporter was not informed about the press conference.
Tarkong said he’s not aware of the press conference as Mafnas did not invite even him.
Tarkong is coordinator for NMI Crime Stoppers Program. Mafnas has been assigning him to do press releases for DPS.
Mafnas told Sablan that apparently they tried to call Saipan Tribune, but could not get hold of this reporter.
Last November, Mafnas also conducted a press conference, but he invited only all female reporters-Sablan, Doty, and Saipan Tribune’s Haidee Eugenio.
Tarkong then apologized, saying the commissioner instructed him that he does not want Variety’s De Guzman and this reporter to be present at the press conference.
Asked about Mafnas’ selective preference, Inos on Friday said if it’s a press conference, every member of the media is invited to participate.
“It’s not a personal preference. We don’t bring personal preference into the job,” Inos emphasized.
The acting governor said he needs to discuss this matter with Mafnas.
