By Genalyn Kabiling
Malacañang has denounced the dastardly attack on the printing plant of Abante tabloid and ordered authorities to run after the culprits.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (ALFRED FRIAS / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
A thorough investigation on the tabloid attack has been ordered by President Duterte, according to Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo.
"We’d like to condemn the assault on this Abante printing press shop. We cannot allow this thing to happen against any member of the Fourth State," Panelo said in a Palace press briefing.
"The President will certainly be directing a thorough investigation of this case and we will prosecute those behind this dastardly act," he added.
Four gunmen attacked the printing plant of Abante tabloid in Paranaque last Monday morning.
The intruders reportedly set ablaze the printing machines and supplies using gasoline. Two employees were reportedly hurt during the incident.
Earlier, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar has deplored the “cowardly act” against Abante, calling it an attack on press freedom.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security has also been mobilized to assist in the police investigation.
"“I totally denounce this cowardly act against a respected news organization such as Abante. There is no room for media violence in this administration,” Andanar said.