Rody government condemns attack on journalist

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang condemned yesterday the attack on a radio broadcaster in Surigao City on Thursday, the first under the administration of President Duterte, who earlier received flak for his statement justifying the killing of corrupt members of the media.

Saturnino Estanio Jr., 41, anchorman for dxRS Radio Mindanao Network, survived the ambush. But his 12-year-old son was wounded and is in critical condition at a local hospital.

“We condemn this act of violence. We find comfort that both father and son have survived the attack,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

“We need journalists who will fight the same crusade as the government. We need journalists who will not be cowed by threats in order to rid the nation of vices such as illegal drugs and illegal gambling,” Andanar added.

He said Estanio was known for his tirades against the illegal drug trade and illegal gambling in Surigao City.

Andanar assured Estanio that those responsible for the crime would be held accountable.

“We assure you we stand by the side of good men. Justice will be served,” Andanar said.

Estanio believes the attempt on his life was job-related amid his commentaries against illegal drugs and gambling in Surigao City.

He said two men on a motorcycle sprayed them with bullets as he and his son got out of their car in front of their house in Barangay Rizal at past 5 p.m.

Estanio suffered three gunshot wounds but still managed to drive to the nearest hospital.

The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) also condemned the slay try on Estanio.

The NUJP earlier slammed Duterte for his remark on media killings in the country.

Duterte said some journalists were killed because of corruption and irresponsible reporting.

After receiving criticism for his statement on the killing of journalists, Duterte decided not to grant media interviews until the end of his term to avoid “wrong statements.”