In a statement, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) called for swift action on the case of radio block-time host Flo Hervias, who according to reports was mauled outside the building where he works.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7) — Media and activist groups slammed the attack against a broadcaster in Iloilo City on Friday as calls to uphold press freedom mount again.
“We call on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to act on its assurance of protecting journalists and upholding the freedom of the press by swiftly and decisively apprehending the assailants and all others involved and filing the appropriate charges,” the NUJP said.
“We call on colleagues to continue to stand together in defending the freedom of the press and standing by our sworn duty to hold power to account,” it added.
Police report showed Hervias was fixing his motorcycle when unidentified persons approached and mauled him. He was wounded on the face.
The PNP said it has launched an in-depth investigation while local police were tasked to provide security to Hervias, it added.
Authorities, meanwhile, are also looking at personal grudge as possible motive.
The incident comes days after the killing of another radio broadcaster, Percy Lapid, who was a staunch critic of the Marcos and Duterte administrations. NUJP said it has recorded 13 cases of attacks against members of the media under the new leadership.
Bayan Muna also lamented this development and called for an independent probe.
“Like lawyers, media should not be attacked in the exercise of their profession,” it said.
