MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Rappler’s Pia Ranada is supposed to report the news, but lately she has been IN the news.
It started when Ranada was barred from entering Malacañang Palace upon direct orders from President Duterte.
Then today, the reporter was formally charged with illegal possession of a deadly weapon.
The charge came after videos spread on social media showing Ranada following a Presidential Security Guard (PSG) around Malacañang grounds, harassing and intimidating the man with her unlicensed weapon — her smart phone.
In a statement, the PSG said that since the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cancelled the media license of Rappler, Ranada’s smart phone is now considered illegal.
”Moreover, she used the weapon to threaten a presidential guard,” the statement added.