Lito Labra, a commentator who has a daily radio program from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. at 91.5 dxWM-Sunrise FM in Mati, said he received a threatening text message, minutes after his morning board.

Labra said he discussed about illegal mining, illegal logging and the recent death of broadcast reporter Nestor Libaton on his program.

The text message reads: “P**tang ina ka! Dapat ikaw ang namatay dili si Nestor (Libaton) nga bootan. ‘Tong amigo nimo sa Gensan dapat una ka ato. Sige ka balik-balik sa mining kay wala kay S.O.P., sige lang ug dili ka namo mabaslan naa man kay pamilya.

[You’re a son of a b**ch! You should have been the one who died and not Nestor (Libaton) who was a good man. You should have died ahead of your friend in Gensan (General Santos city). You keep on discussing about mining because you have not received any S.O.P. (bribe money). If we can’t get you, we can get your family.]

Labra said he has already reported the threat to the local police and has altered his routes which he has been doing ever since he received various threats that started last February when he discussed illegal mining and logging activities in Mati.

Although Labra could not identify a specific suspect, he said he received reports that a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was out to kill him on orders of a mining company which is illegally operating in Mati.

Labra said he has talked with Manny Cuizon, of the mining company Phil. Youbang Mineral International Corp., who denied that they have paid off said group to have him killed.

Phil. Youbang is just one of the mining firms that Labra lambasted on-air for their illegal mining operations.

References:

JB R. Deveza
Coordinator
NUJP Mindanao Media Safety Office
0999 536 9592

Rowena C. Paraan
NUJP Secretary-General
Executive Coordinator, NUJP-IFJ Media Safety Office
0919 932 8746