The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemn in the strongest terms the attempt on the lives of two volunteer radio announcers in Digos City Thursday morning, October 25.
Reports said Marlan Malnegro and Ruben Oliverio had just finished their morning program on Radio Ukay and were riding tandem on a motorcycle and had reached an intersection about a kilometer from the station when the two attackers, on another motorcycle, drove up. One of the suspects drew a handgun and fired but missed. He tried to fire again but fortunately his gun jammed.
While we have yet to ascertain the motive for the attack, this incident is nevertheless another clear example of the culture of impunity nurtured by official apathy and inaction that has emboldened those who wish to silence a critical press to carry out such brazen
attacks as this broad daylight attempt on the lives of Malnegro and Oliverio.
Again and again, government has vowed to put an end to media killings and solve the murders of our colleagues. Again and again, these vows have proven to be lip service.
This time, we hope our demand for a swift resolution to this case will not, as have so many of our calls in the past, fall on deaf ears.
Reference:
Joe Torres Jr., NUJP chairperson
Rowena Paraan, IFJ-NUJP Media Safety Office Coordinator
October 25, 2007
Filed under: Media, Philippine Updates | Tagged: Digos, Philippines, Radio, Slay Attempt
