CHR condemns slay try on broadcaster

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned what it called the "brazen attempt" on the life of a radio blocktimer whose home in Talisay City, Occidental, was riddled with bullets on April 20, 2025.

The CHR Region 6 promptly launched a Quick Response Operation to take cognizance of the incident, and called on various law enforcement agencies, notably the Philippine National Police, "to act with urgency" for the arrest of perpetrators behind the slay attempt.

According to reports, the victim awoke to gunshots outside their home, where 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.

The commission noted that the radio broadcaster regularly tackles political issues involving various figures in the area.

Prior to the incident, the broadcaster had reportedly received death threats.

"This was not the first attempt on their life — unidentified assailants also fired at their residence in 2018, just days before the filing of their candidacy for councilor in Talisay City for the 2019 polls," the CHR Region 6 said.

The commission said "this alarming attack sends a chilling effect across the media landscape in the country."

"Media workers must be able to fulfill their duties without fear of threats, harassment, or violence," the commission stressed.

The commission explained that the right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, safeguards press freedom and the public's right to information within the bounds of the law.

"Any attack on this right is an assault on democracy itself," the commission declared.

"When journalists and media practitioners are silenced through fear, the integrity of our democratic processes is gravely endangered," added the commission, which nonetheless acknowledged the swift response of local authorities to investigate whether the attack is politically motivated.

"We call on the Philippine National Police and all relevant authorities to act with urgency, transparency, and impartiality, and to ensure that the perpetrators of this violent act are held accountable," the CHR said.