Ilocos Sur journalists disown slay try victim

VIGAN CITY — Twenty-six journalists belonging to eight Ilocos Sur media groups have issued a manifesto disowning a "broadcaster" who was shot and wounded last April 29, as a legitimate member of the local media.

According to the signatories, Nestor Segismundo was just a "block-timer" who bought air time from radio station dzXC here to make commentaries on local issues.

The 26 journalists belong to the Ilocos Sur Capitol Press Club, Ilocos Sur Media Association, Vigan City Press Corps, 503rd Brigade Press Corps and Ilocos Sur Integrated Press and the provincial chapters of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas, PNP Press Corps and Gumil Pilipinas.

Amid pressures from certain media organizations tagging Segismundo as a "broadcaster," Philippine National Police chief Director General Arturo Lomibao relieved Senior Superintendent Mario Subagan as provincial police director to ensure an impartial investigation into the slay attempt.

Subagan has denied any hand in the attack, saying that Segismundo has had many enemies due to his "below-the-belt commentaries."

Segismundo, who was shot in front of his house in Bantay town, ran for a seat in the provincial board in the 2004 elections, but lost.