The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns the brazen attempt on the life of a radio blocktimer whose home in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, was riddled with bullets on 20 April 2025. CHR Region VI has promptly launched a Quick Response Operation to take cognizance of the incident.

According to reports, the victim awoke to gunshots outside their home, where authorities later found empty shells from a .45 caliber pistol and 16 deformed casings on the lawn. Bullet holes were also found on their vehicles.

It must be noted that the said radio broadcaster regularly tackles political issues involving various figures in the area.

Prior to the incident, the broadcaster had reportedly received death threats. This was not the first attempt on their life—unidentified assailants also fired at their residence in 2018, just days before the filing of their candidacy for councilor in Talisay City for the 2019 polls.

This alarming attack sends a chilling effect across the media landscape in the country. The Commission reiterates that media workers must be able to fulfill their duties without fear of threats, harassment, or violence.

The right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, safeguards press freedom and the public’s right to information within the bounds of the law.

Any attack on this right is an assault on democracy itself. When journalists and media practitioners are silenced through fear, the integrity of our democratic processes is gravely endangered.

CHR acknowledges the swift response of local authorities to investigate whether the attack is politically motivated. In this regard, we call on the Philippine National Police and all relevant authorities to act with urgency, transparency, and impartiality, and to ensure that the perpetrators of this violent act are held accountable. ###