TV and radio stations were yesterday blasted after running a false story about a Bermudian man facing life imprisonment in the Philippines on drugs charges.

VSB TV news last night apologised for the story -- broadcast last month -- which claimed John Clarke, formerly of St. George's had been caught with drugs in the Philippines.

But a close relative of Mr. Clarke's said: "The story had very damaging effects on the immediate family.

"They used it without having confirmed it was correct. It was absolutely devastating to us and we had a very difficult time of it.

"At the end of the day, they did not check their facts -- people should not be allowed to get away with damaging people's lives. They deserve to be thoroughly embarrassed.'' The story was used on VSB radio and television and also broadcast on rival station ZBM.

It is understood Bermudian Mr. Clarke has lived in the Philippines with his Filipina wife for several years, although he has two daughters and several other relatives who still live in Bermuda.

The woman relative, who asked not be named, said: "It is just totally unfair that the media should interfere with someone's life and broadcast information which is totally untrue. It's completely unethical.

And she declined to comment on whether legal action for libel would be taken against the stations.

Reporters at The Royal Gazette checked out the story after it was broadcast, contacting the British Embassy, the Philippines police and state prosecutors and were unable to substantiate the story. As a consequence, no story ran.

When The Royal Gazette attempted to contact the VSB newsroom last night, an employee said: "They have all gone home for the evening.'' The Bermuda Broadcasting Corporation's switchboard was on an answering machine and there was no answer from their newsroom.

TELEVISION TV RADIO RAO