Azurin orders thorough probe into the mauling of RMN broadcaster in Iloilo City
Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered a thorough investigation into the mauling incident involving a 54-year old broadcaster of a radio station in Iloilo City on Friday, Oct. 7.
Azurin said he also instructed the Iloilo City Police Office to provide security to Pio Hervias, a block timer for the Radio Mindanao Network in Iloilo City.
Three men wearing bonnets and jackets beat up Hervias while he was locking his motorcycle in front of the RMN office in Iloilo City. Hervias suffered cuts and bruises in the face and other parts of the body as a result.
The suspects, on the other hand, escaped and are now being hunted down by the local police based on the initial information they obtained.
"The PNP is taking urgent action to another case of incident involving a member of media," said Azurin.
"The Iloilo City Police Office has also initiated an in-depth investigation to possibly identify and arrest the suspects, including a city-wide dragnet operation involving random checkpoints," he added.
The attack on Hervias happened as the police continue to solve the killing of hard-hitting journalist Percival Mabasa who was gunned down in front of a subdivision in Las Piñas City on Monday, Oct. 3.
Azurin earlier vowed to ensure the protection of media practitioners whom he said were just doing their job.
"Any assault on working journalists is being considered by the PNP as a serious case that deserves prompt and preferential action. We are confident that the investigation of Hervias’ case will yield positive development in due time," said Azurin.