The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) condemns the reported shooting of radio broadcaster Jay Lavapiez in Barangay Cagay, Roxas City, Capiz. According to reports, unidentified suspects riding a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on Lavapiez while he was driving his vehicle along a national highway around 5 a.m. on his way to his radio station. Lavapiez survives the attack, according to multiple outlets.
Authorities investigate the incident. Police recovered four spent shell casings at the scene and are working to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Investigators also obtain and review closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from cameras in Barangay Cagay. Police said the footage shows two individuals on a motorcycle, with one believed to have fired at Lavapiez’s vehicle.
Roxas City officials, including Mayor Ronnie T. Dadivas, also condemn the attack, describing it as an assault on press freedom and the public’s right to information. PTFoMS reiterates its position that acts of violence and intimidation against journalists have no place in a democratic society.
