Iloilo media condemns attack of reporter

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Iloilo media joined hands in condemning the failed attempt on the life of dyOK Aksyon Radyo reporter Jhey-R Villalva by two unidentified men riding in tandem on a motorcycle while the victim was on his way home in Brgy Cuartero, Jaro district here Tuesday evening.

Villalva survived the attack with only wounds on his foot caused by a shrapnel from a 9-mm caliber gun. He was rushed to Iloilo Mission Hospital for treatment.

Iloilo Press Club (IPC) President Francis Allan Angelo said he was saddened and outraged by the cowardly attack on Villalva, who is also IPC director. "This dastardly act has no place in a democratic society. Physical attacks on members of the fourth estate and innocent civilians can never be justified. It also has serious implications to claims that the city remains peaceful," he said.

Angelo said the police and local officials must prove to the public that they can protect mediamen by conducting an honest to goodness investigation especially on the alleged delay in police's response to the incident.

Elena Pabiona, president of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Press Corps Inc., said her group also strongly condemned the incident. "Why would somebody tried to assassinate Villalva? We know he only reports news and do not do commentaries. ... the incident has a chilling effect to the members of tri-media in Iloilo," she said.

"We are calling on the PNP for a thorough and in-depth investigation on the matter. Also the series of unsolved killings in Iloilo City," she added.

Noni Basco, president of Iloilo Police and Defense Press Corps said the shooting incident was a deliberate attack to his personal capacity as media practitioner and to curtail the freedom of expression of every member of the media. "We are calling for appropriate actions from the authorities. Preventive measures must be implemented to deter any possible attack against our comrades in the profession," he said.

Runjie Jamolo, president of Iloilo City Hall Press Corps, added that the PNP should give priority on the investigation because a threat to life of a broadcaster or media is a threat to press freedom. (FREEMAN)