The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns the physical assault against radio broadcaster Florencio “Flo” Hervias on 07 October 2022. Initial reports reveal that a group of masked men, who allegedly pretended to be sanitation workers, mauled Hervias in broad daylight after leaving his workplace in La Paz District, Iloilo City. He sustained lacerations on his nose, mouth, and near his eyes. His perpetrators, however, fled the scene.

Hervias hosts the blocktime program “Banwa Binag-binaga” in DYRI Radio Mindanao Network. He would later mention that the attack may be linked to the ongoing renovation of several public markets in the city.

CHR stands with the media community in denouncing all threats and attacks to press freedom. We thus express grave alarm on how this incident took place only mere days after the violent death of fellow radio broadcaster Percy Lapid. We trust that the Philippine National Police will investigate this matter with the same fervor and urgency. The Commission also echoes Hervias’ appeal to law enforcement officers to offer temporary assistance for his safety and security.

For its part, CHR has dispatched a quick response operation the same day of the attack to conduct a motu proprio investigation. We continue to work alongside local authorities in probing all potential leads to ascertain justice for the victim.

We cannot risk increased incidence of these brazen and violent episodes. Hampering media workers from the conduct of their journalistic responsibilities breeds a culture of impunity that endangers our democracy. As duty bearers, we must do what we can to uphold the people’s right to truth, information, and expression. And in that undertaking, we must regard journalists as genuine allies towards nation-building.

CHR reiterates its calls: Protect journalism and defend press freedom. A free press is a shared public interest—indicative of peace, truth, and inclusive progress.