The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has strongly condemned the April 20 attack against a radio broadcaster whose house in Talisay City, Negros Occidental was riddled with bullets that also damaged the parked vehicles.

Based on reports, the CHR said that Rey Siason, who has programs on dyRL Radyo Pilipino and dyKB RPN-Bacolod, was sleeping when he heard gunshots outside his house.

It said that police authorities later found empty shells from a .45 caliber pistol and 16 deformed casings on the lawn. Bullet holes were also found on their vehicles.

It also said that Siason regularly tackles political issues involving various figures in the area. Prior to the attack, he has already received death threats and an attempt on his life has already been made by unidentified assailants back in 2018, it added.

Just before Siason filed his candidacy for councilor in Talisay City for the 2019 elections, his house was riddled with bullets, the CHR noted.

It said in a statement: "This alarming attack sends a chilling effect across the media landscape in the country. The Commission reiterates that media workers must be able to fulfill their duties without fear of threats, harassment, or violence."

Citing the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the CHR upheld the right to freedom of expression, press freedom, and the public’s right to information.

"Any attack on this right is an assault on democracy itself. When journalists and media practitioners are silenced through fear, the integrity of our democratic processes is gravely endangered," it stressed.

It called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) and all relevant authorities to act with urgency, transparency, and impartiality, and to ensure that the perpetrators of this violent act are held accountable.