Roxas City officials condemn slay try on broadcaster

ILOILO CITY – Roxas City officials and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) have condemned the June 22 shooting attack against broadcaster Jay Lavapiez, as police intensified efforts to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

In a statement, Roxas City Mayor Ronnie T. Dadivas denounced the attempted killing of Lavapiez, popularly known as “Papang Jay,” as he described the attack as an assault not only on an individual journalist but also on press freedom and the public’s right to information.

“Such reprehensible acts are not only attacks against individuals but also constitute a direct assault on the fundamental freedoms of speech, expression, and the press,” Dadivas said.

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READ: Capiz broadcaster shooting probe widens as cops form task force

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The mayor directed Roxas City police chief, Lt. Col. Rogelio Tomagtang Jr. L, to conduct a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The attack was also discussed during a joint meeting of the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), where city officials formally condemned the incident and reiterated their call for law enforcers to resolve the case immediately.

Lavapiez, an anchor of Baskog Radyo in Roxas City and former station manager of RMN Iloilo’s Radyo Agong, survived the attack unharmed.

Police said the broadcaster was driving to work shortly after 5 a.m. on June 22 when at least two motorcycle-riding suspects allegedly blocked his vehicle along a national highway in Barangay Cagay, Roxas City, and opened fire.

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Authorities recovered four spent shell casings from the scene and later obtained closed-circuit television footage that may help identify the attackers.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security also expressed “deep concern” over the incident, saying it underscored the urgent need to protect journalists who play a crucial role in informing the public and upholding democratic institutions.

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“The PTFOMS and the Philippine National Police Media Vanguards are currently conducting an investigation to thoroughly examine this cowardly act and ensure that justice is served,” the agency said in a statement.

The task force said Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, regional director of Police Regional Office 6, had directed police units to take immediate action and give importance to the case.

READ: PNP chief urges journos to report threats after Capiz broadcaster attack

PTFOMS condemned all forms of violence and intimidation against journalists and reiterated that such attacks have no place in a democratic society.

“We stand in solidarity with Mr. Lavapiez and all media professionals, reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding their rights and security,” the task force said.

The agency also called on media organizations, civil society groups, and government institutions to work together in strengthening measures that protect journalists from threats and attacks.

Earlier, PRO-6 created a Special Investigation Task Group composed of personnel from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Regional Intelligence Unit, and the Capiz Police Provincial Office to focus on the case.

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The attack on Lavapiez has drawn concern from journalists and press freedom advocates in Western Visayas, who have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the shooting. /coa