Iloilo radio blocktimer injured in attack

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A radio blocktimer was beaten up in Barangay La Paz in this city after his program yesterday.

Florencio Hervias, 54, had just finished his 30-minute program “Banwa Binag-Binaga” over dyRI-Radio Mindanao Network and was about to board his motorcycle when four men wearing bonnets and jackets attacked him.

He was treated for injuries in his face.

Maj. Jose Val Ladublan, city police Station 2 chief, said the suspects fled after the incident.

“It was done in under a minute,” he said.

Ladublan said closed-circuit television cameras at the scene were not working.

When asked about the possible motive for the attack, Hervias cited the rehabilitation of the Mandurriao public market, said to be worth P85 million.

“I was merely asking if everything was aboveboard, if the bidding was in order or if it underwent due process,” he said.

Col. Leo Batiles, Iloilo City police chief, assured the public of a thorough investigation and the filing of charges against those behind the attack.

“We are also appealing to the public to help the police identify the suspects involved in the incident to immediately solve the case,” he said.

In the aftermath of the killing of radio commentator and journalist Percy Lapid, the Western Visayas police issued a statement advising journalists to remain vigilant. – Emmanuel Tupas