The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns the burning of a vehicle belonging to a former president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club in Sagay town, Camiguin.
The incident occurred around 2:00 AM on 10 May 2025, when unidentified individuals set the van of Manuel Jaudian ablaze.
The CHR received the report through its Alisto! Alert Mechanism, a platform dedicated to promptly responding to incidents involving media workers. In line with its mandate, the CHR has launched an independent investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
The CHR urges law enforcement authorities to pursue a thorough investigation and ensure the safety and protection of journalists, especially in local communities.
As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the Commission firmly condemns all acts of violence against journalists. Such attacks undermine press freedom and weaken the very pillars of free expression and open discourse.
A free and independent press is vital to a healthy democracy. Any act of intimidation against members of the media threatens this foundation and must be met with urgent and decisive action.###