Blast hits radio station in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines - A janitor was wounded after two unidentified men attacked a radio station with a grenade in Bukidnon yesterday.

Police said Celso Cañamo was hit by shrapnel from the grenade lobbed at the compound of radio dxGT at Agro Site, South Poblacion, Maramag town at around 8:15 a.m. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

There were no other immediate reports of damage.

Provincial police director Senior Superintendent Glen de la Torre said investigators have been sent to the radio station, locally known as Radyo Abante, to interview its employees and broadcasters to help establish the motive and identities of the attackers.

Cocoy Medina, a member of dxGT’s news crew, said he saw one of the two men hurl a grenade.

De la Torre added they are also checking if there are other witnesses who may have seen and could identify the perpetrators who were reportedly riding a motorcycle.

“We are still conducting investigation on the incident. Initial information revealed that the radio station has hard-hitting commentators, which could be a factor in the attack,” De la Torre said.

The radio station is owned and operated by Gordon Torres, an incumbent member of the provincial board of Bukidnon.

Station dxGT also has programs hosted by commentators critical of corrupt politicians, environmental issues and logging operations in the hinterlands surrounding Bukidnon.

One of the station’s popular commentators is Joan Dignos, who has been critical of drug trafficking and other syndicated crimes in the province.

The attack occurred while the radio station was airing a taped commentary of Dignos on domestic peace and security issues. – John Unson