NUJP slams slay try on Capiz broadcaster, urges swift probe

MANILA, Philippines — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) condemned the attempted killing of Capiz-based radio broadcaster Jay Lavapiez, calling on authorities to swiftly identify and hold those behind the attack accountable.

“The NUJP urges authorities to promptly identify the perpetrators and the mastermind behind the recent attack,” said the group in a statement on Monday.

Lavapiez was driving his SUV at around 5:45 a.m. on his way to work at a radio station when the incident occurred.

READ: PTFoMS condemns shooting of Capiz broadcaster

Upon reaching Villa de San Lorenzo in Barangay Cagay, Roxas City, he noticed two men on a parked motorcycle across the road seemingly watching him.

One of them signaled the other before opening fire in his direction.

To escape the attack, Lavapiez swerved his vehicle in a zigzag pattern and later stopped along the roadside, where he pretended to be injured to mislead the assailants.

The suspects then fled the area, while Lavapiez survived the incident without physical injuries but was left “traumatized.”

According to the NUJP, Lavapiez and his wife, fellow broadcaster India, are currently facing cyber libel complaints filed by local officials.

The Philippine National Police in Roxas City has launched an investigation and committed to providing security protection for Lavapiez.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security is also conducting an investigation, saying they “condemn all acts of violence and intimidation against journalists and assert that such actions have no place in a democratic society.” /das