The controversial buy-bust operation and subsequent arrest of a 36-year-old worker on February 7 in Ilocos Norte have captured widespread attention, not only from the public but also from vigilant netizens.

Adding fuel to the fire was the manner in which the suspect was questioned about the possibility of having tattoos during interrogation.

Following the alleged buy-bust operation that led to the apprehension of the suspect, Jayson Dumlao from Barangay Nalasin, Solsona, Ilocos Norte, a female voice, initially assumed by netizens to be a radio reporter, continuously questioned him about the presence of tattoos.

“Adda tattom?” inquired the female voice in the now-viral buy-bust video.

“Wala po, ma’am. Hindi naman po aso gumagamit ng ganyan,” responded Dumlao, visibly seated and handcuffed in the footage.

“Relax ka lang. Tattoo? Tattoo?” insisted the same female voice.

“Wala po, ma’am,” Dumlao reiterated, as the video shifted its focus.

Initially, many netizens suspected a radio reporter of Aksyon Radio Laoag DZJC from Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, of badgering Dumlao with the tattoo question.

This prompted the local radio station to issue a statement, clarifying that the voice heard in the video clip was not their reporter.

Amidst the outcry, numerous netizens denounced the questioning as discriminatory, asserting that having tattoos does not equate to criminal behavior.

In response, the local radio station emphasized its commitment to respecting individuals’ personal choices, affirming that they do not engage in any form of discrimination.

“It was a member of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducting their standard reporting and data collection procedures. Our station does not engage in any form of discrimination against individuals with tattoos. We extend our utmost respect to all individuals, regardless of their personal choices,” the local radio station said in a statement. 

However, further investigation by the Daily Netizen revealed that it is not part of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) protocol to inquire about a drug suspect’s tattoos during standard reporting and data collection procedures.

Some netizens even drew attention to the tattoos sported by the sons of former president Rodrigo Duterte, particularly Baste and Paolo.

This recall was significant, given Paolo Duterte’s past senate interrogation regarding a triad tattoo, suggesting potential involvement in large-scale drug operations in southern Mindanao.

The incident has ignited discussions surrounding police interrogation tactics and the treatment of individuals during law enforcement procedures, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.