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Alert
October 27, 2007
Politician attacks broadcaster inside announcer's booth
Radio broadcaster Roel Sembrano of Radyo Natin Compostela in Compostela Valley province was inside the announcer's booth when a politician, accompanied by his wife and daughter barged in and attacked Sembrano.
A report sent to the IFJ-NUJP Media Safety Office by the NUJP-Davao chapter said Compostela Valley provincial board member Neri Barte, his wife and daughter physically attacked Sembrano last October 24 while he was on air. When Sembrano tried to stop them, Barte reportedly drew out his gun and threatened to kill him.
The report also said Sembrano criticized Neri on air for promising to give away 50 sacks of cement from the provincial government if a candidate for barangay (village) captain that he is supporting will win in the coming election.
In a joint statement (see copy below), NUJP-Davao and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) Davao chapter expressed "shock and disgust over the attack".
"To attack a broadcaster right inside the announcer's booth while he is doing his work is the height of brazenness that a government official can do. It only reflects the government official's disrespect and ignorance of media's role as watchdog of democracy, a role that should always be protected," the statement said.
It was signed by CQ Francisco and Roy Geonzon, chairpersons of NUJP-Davao and KBP-Davao, respectively. #
IFJ-NUJP Media Safety Office