The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns an attack on radio commentator Jerome Tabanganay, of government-owned dzRK Radyo ng Bayan in Kalinga province, in the northern Philippines, on June 7.
IFJ affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) reports Tabanganay, who hosts the program Agenda on dzRK, was hit in the mouth with a microphone by Kalinga governor Jocel Baac.
Baac, who was accompanied by several men with M-16 rifles, reportedly told Tabanganay: “Go on. Keep talking. I will kill you,” as the day’s edition of Agenda was drawing to a close.
The threats and assault come less than two weeks after a May 24 incident in which the premises of dzRK were attacked with home-made gasoline bombs.
At the time of the assault, Tabanganay was discussing an altercation between Baac and dzRK station manager Basilio Baluyan over the bombing at a Kapihan or tearoom meeting on June 6.
Tabanganay, who is known for his anti-corruption stance, was previously injured in an attempted murder at the station on May 14, 2010.
“This is yet another example of the unacceptable use of violence and intimidation against media workers in the Philippines,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.
“Authorities must offer reasonable protection to Tabanganay and dzRK staff and quickly punish those responsible for assaulting and threatening him.”
Tabanganay plans to file charges of serious physical injuries and grave threat
against Baac, while the radio station’s management will file charges of
malicious mischief and damage to government property.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries
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