Capiz broadcaster shooting probe widens as cops form task force

ILOILO CITY — Police investigators have obtained closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that could help identify the suspects behind the shooting attack on broadcaster Jay Lavapiez in Roxas City on Monday, authorities said.

Police Lt. Col. Rogelio Tomagtang Jr., officer-in-charge of the Roxas Component City Police Station, said investigators were reviewing footage from cameras in Barangay Cagay, where the attack occurred.

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According to Tomagtang, the footage showed two individuals riding a motorcycle. One of them is believed to have fired at the vehicle driven by Lavapiez, while the other served as the motorcycle driver.

Authorities are conducting backtracking operations and pursuing leads to identify the suspects and determine their whereabouts.

The attack prompted the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) to create a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to handle the case.

Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, PRO-6 regional director, said the task group would conduct a more extensive investigation into the June 22 shooting of Lavapiez, an anchor of a Roxas City-based FM radio station.

Initial reports showed that Lavapiez was on his way to work when gunmen opened fire on his vehicle in Barangay Cagay. The anchorman was unharmed but was reportedly “traumatized.”

The SITG is made up of personnel from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Regional Intelligence Unit, and the Provincial Investigation Team of the Capiz Police Provincial Office.

Tuaño said the formation of the task group underscored the police force’s commitment to resolving the case and ensuring accountability for those responsible.

Following the incident, the police also assured media practitioners that security assistance remains available to journalists and other individuals facing threats.

Tuaño said members of the media who believe they are at risk may coordinate with local police units and public information officers for a threat assessment and possible security coverage.

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Under existing procedures, the director of the Police Security and Protection Group may authorize up to 30 days of protective security coverage while an application for protection is being evaluated.

The shooting has raised concerns among journalists and press freedom advocates in Western Visayas, with authorities pledging a thorough investigation into the attack. Police have yet to announce a possible motive and said all angles are being considered as the investigation continues./coa