MANILA, Philippines – Magsasagawa ng hiwalay na imbestigasyon ang Commission on Human Rights sa pinakahuling pag-atake laban sa mamamahayag sa San Pablo, Laguna.
Ayon sa ulat ng pulisya, pauwi na ng bahay sakay ng motorsiklo si Marc Angelo Barrios, reporter mula sa Laguna Patrol, nang paputukan siya ng dalawang suspek na sakay ng motorsiklo malapit sa gate ng isang subdivision noong Hulyo 15.
Hindi naman nasaktan si Barrios sa nangyaring pamamaril ngunit nasira ang motorsiklo nito.
Nauna nang kinwestyon ni Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) executive director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez ang police report na tinawag ang insidente bilang “threat and malicious mischief” sa kabila ng pinaputukan si Barrios ng halos pitong beses.
“To classify this incident as a simple case of malicious mischief by the local police raises everyone’s eyebrows,” ani Gutierrez kasabay ng panawagan ng mas malalim na imbestigasyon sa insidente.
“As part of our undertaking and commitment to foster a society where all media workers can exercise their profession free from violence, intimidation, and harassment, the CHR has launched its independent investigation on this matter to determine the truth behind the incident,” saad sa pahayag ng CHR nitong Sabado, Hulyo 20.
“We remain firm in our stance that committing any acts of violence against journalists who take on the responsibility of delivering truthful information to the public is contrary to the enrichment of a democratic society. May this incident serve as a reminder to all duty-bearers to ensure that a safe environment is accessible to all Filipinos as they report about the truth,” dagdag pa.
“Freedom of the press is a mark of a healthy and functioning state. The CHR will always stand for the rights of all media workers in promoting a society where truth is central in our democracy and that they are able to freely practice their duty free from any intimidation, harm, and violence,” pagtatapos nito. RNT/JGC
