The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has

new information regarding a reported shooting of radio commentator Randy T. Makiputin in Valencia

City in the country’s south

on November 26. New information reveals that the alleged shooting did

not occur. In fact, Makiputin’s injuries were reportedly sustained in a

motorcycle accident.

Valencia City Police

investigating the incident earlier confirmed Makiputin’s claims that he had

been shot by unidentified men on motorcycles. Police now say they are uncertain

about the cause of his injuries, with two eyewitnesses – aged 13 and 16 –

making sworn statements alleging the broadcaster crashed his motorcycle, and

pointed a gun at them after the accident. They also claim with he was

intoxicated at the time.

Makiputin, a broadcaster

with Radyo Abante in Maramag town, Bukidnon province, checked out of hospital

on November 28 and has been unavailable for comment since.

The original IFJ statement from

November 29 which included earlier reports of the incident appears below.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands

authorities in the Philippines

take prompt action to arrest those responsible for shooting radio

commentator Randy T. Makiputin in Valencia

City in the country’s south

on November 26.

Makiputin, 39, a broadcaster

with Radyo Abante based in Maramag town, Bukidnon province, was ambushed by four

unknown assailants on motorcycles about 7pm, according to IFJ Asia-Pacific affiliate the National Union of

Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

He sustained a gunshot

wound to the back of his head, and is in a stable condition in hospital.

Local police are investigating

the incident, and are yet to establish whether the attack is related to

Makiputin’s work with Radyo Abante.

“The attempt on Makiputin’s life is

reprehensible, regardless of the motives of his attackers,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“It is a shameful reminder that killings

and attacks on media workers continue to be a very real threat to freedom of

expression, human rights and a healthy media landscape in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, the Baguio-Benguet

chapter of the NUJP reports that officers

of the Presidential Security Guard (PSG) and Philippine National

Police (PNP) mistreated Northern Dispatch journalist Adela Wayas at the opening of a restaurant in Baguio, in the

country’s north, also on November 26.

Presidential

guards allegedly shoved Wayas as she attempted to enter the site of a media

stunt featuring President Benigno Aquino III to mark the opening of a popular

chain restaurant.

Her media

credentials were questioned by the PSG and police after she covered a student protest

outside the venue. The guards asked Wayas if she was a “companion” of the

protesters and prevented her from entering the venue to report on the

President’s speech.

For further

information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific

on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ

represents more than 600,000 journalists in 125 countries

Find the

IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific