Veteran columnist and broadcaster Ramon Tulfo has once again proven that influence without responsibility can be dangerous. In a recent Facebook post about the killing of a Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) official, Tulfo described the alleged suspects as “Muslims from Lanao del Sur.” At first glance, it may seem a simple identifier, but in context it is neither neutral nor relevant. By emphasizing the suspects’ faith and origin, Tulfo did not inform the public — he stigmatized an entire community. This is not journalism; it is prejudice masquerading as reporting.
Let us be clear: crimes are committed by individuals, not by religions. Linking alleged offenders to Islam transforms a criminal act into a collective accusation against millions of peaceful Muslims. In a country where Muslim communities have long faced discrimination, such statements do more than offend; they perpetuate stereotypes, feed prejudice, and erode social cohesion. Journalism is supposed to illuminate facts, not fan the flames of bigotry. By failing this basic standard, Tulfo has exposed both his judgment and his writing to justified scrutiny.
Tulfo’s column has long been criticized by some readers, like Prince Bailey, for weak language, elementary sentence construction, and careless phrasing. Even casual readers have noted that clarity, nuance, and professional polish are often absent. In this case, the consequences of sloppy writing extend far beyond style: they risk inflaming religious prejudice and undermining public trust in media. The power of words is real, and Tulfo’s post demonstrates a failure to wield that power responsibly.
Mindanao lawmakers have rightly condemned the post. Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong stressed that dragging Islam into a crime story “risks reinforcing discriminatory stereotypes that Muslim Filipinos have endured for generations.” Islam, like other major faiths, teaches peace and justice; it bears no connection to the acts of alleged criminals. Maguindanao del Sur Representative Esmael Mangudadatu went further, calling the post “sweeping, unethical, and discriminatory,” and highlighting the harm done not only to Maranao Muslims but to the dignity of the Muslim community as a whole. These criticisms are not about political correctness; they are about basic fairness and the public duty of journalists.
The timing of Tulfo’s post makes it even more egregious. It appeared during Ramadan, a sacred period of fasting, reflection, and prayer. Highlighting a suspect’s faith during such a time is not merely careless — it is insensitive. Words have power, and when wielded irresponsibly by public figures, they can harm, mislead, and perpetuate bias. Tulfo’s failure here is not academic; it is social, ethical, and professional.
Public influence carries public responsibility. Tulfo’s audience is vast, and his platform can shape perceptions nationwide. That power is not a license to generalize, stereotype, or propagate prejudice. Islam is not a crime scene detail. Faith cannot be treated as guilt. Tulfo must recognize that linking religion to alleged crimes is a moral and professional failure.
A public apology is not optional. Ramon Tulfo owes the Muslim community and the Filipino public a clear acknowledgment that his words were inappropriate and harmful. He must admit that faith had no relevance to the case, that his framing was misleading, and that his post unfairly targeted an entire community. Anything less is a failure of accountability, judgment, and integrity.
In the Philippines, where media trust is fragile and social tensions can run high, such lapses matter. Responsible journalism demands accuracy, context, and compassion. Freedom of expression does not shield the careless from criticism, nor does it excuse the misuse of words that can harm the innocent. Tulfo’s post is a stark reminder that influence without responsibility is not power; it is a liability.
The Muslim community, Filipino society, and the standards of professional journalism all deserve better. Ramon Tulfo’s apology should be immediate, unequivocal, and sincere. Only then can a step be taken toward restoring trust, correcting misperceptions, and reaffirming that in news, facts — not prejudice — must always guide the narrative.