A local media personality was wounded after he was mauled at Bangga Vaflor in Barangay Zone 1, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Fridayevening.

Police identified the victim as 45-year-old Ranilo Azue, a resident of the said city and broadcaster for MUEWS Radio 104.7 FM Negros, as well as a writer for Panay News.

Based on records provided by Talisay City police, after concluding his broadcast, Azue went outside and, while fixing his motorcycle, he was allegedly mauled by a certain Niño Alcala, also a resident of the said city.

Azue sustained several wounds across different parts of his body and was later brought to the hospital for treatment.

In response to the assault, various groups from Negros Occidental condemned the incident.

Negros Press Club President Renato Duran issued a statement condemning the assault, calling the act a form of “attack” on journalists whose primary job is to serve as watchdogs for society.

Azue formerly served as press club president.

The Bacolod City chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) also issued a statement, saying, “An attack on  journalists, as guardians of truth, is a threat to our democracy.”

The NUJP also urged authorities to swiftly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Negros Occidental Chairperson Christian Tuayon, meanwhile, also condemned the assault and criticized Talisay City police for failing to arrest Alcala; adding the police’s failure in handling the incident only shows their lack of protection against criminality in the city, especially for members of the media.

Meanwhile, after learning of the incident, Communications Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, who also serves as executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, said he is monitoring the case and has ordered Talisay City police chief, Police Superintendent Adonis Rosales, to pursue Alcala.

Egco also ordered the police chief to escort Azue when he files appropriate charges./DGB, WDJ