ILOILO CITY — A radio commentator was attacked by three unidentified men after his radio program here on Friday, Oct. 7.
Florencio “Flo” Hervias was about to board his motorcycle when the suspects wearing masks ganged up on him outside the RMN-Iloilo radio station in La Paz District before 11 a.m.
The victim sustained facial injuries and was wounded by the broken visor he was wearing.
The helmet he was wearing saved him from further harm.
“They were aiming for my head. It was good I already had my helmet,” Hervias told Manila Bulletin in a phone interview.
He was accompanied by Roy Cejar, a colleague in a block-time program known as “Banwa, Binag-Binaga.”
When asked if he had anyone in mind behind his attack, Hervias said an elected official here but he did not identify him.
Hervias said that the attack may be linked to the renovation of several public markets in this city.
The attack against Hervias came days after the murder of radio commentator Percival Mabasa, popularly known as “Percy Lapid,” in Las Piñas City.
“As media practioners, our security is always at stake. This is true when we encounter onion-skinned officials. We cannot do anything if they have their goons attack you or kill you,” Hervias lamented.
Hervias is hopeful the Philippine National Police (PNP) can offer temporary assistance for his safety and security.
Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6, appealed to the media in Western Visayas to be vigilant of their safety.
“To the members of the media, be very cautious. Report to the nearest police station of anything suspicious,” Franciso said.