ROXAS CITY — A local radio broadcaster narrowly escaped death after gunmen opened fire on his vehicle in an apparent assassination attempt Monday morning in Barangay Cagay, Roxas City.
The victim, Jay Lavapiez, an anchorman of a local FM radio station, survived unharmed despite at least four shots being fired at his vehicle while he was on his way to work.
In an interview, Lavapiez said he was approaching an intersection and preparing to make a turn when he noticed two men standing at a waiting shed along the roadside.
According to him, the men appeared to be hurriedly pulling out an object as his vehicle approached. Moments after his vehicle passed them, the suspects allegedly opened fire.
Several bullets struck the vehicle’s door, while one round pierced through the driver’s seat, narrowly missing Lavapiez.
Lavapiez described the suspects as two men believed to be between 40 and 50 years old, fair-skinned, tall, and slim.
Based on the spent shells recovered from the scene, he believes the attackers may have used a 9mm handgun.
While authorities have yet to establish a motive, Lavapiez said he suspects the attack could be linked to his work as a broadcaster.
He said he has no known personal enemies but acknowledged that his profession often involves discussing sensitive issues and controversial matters affecting the community.
Lavapiez emphasized that media practitioners who report facts and speak truthfully on issues of public concern should not live in fear.
The veteran broadcaster also said the attack sends a chilling message to journalists and broadcasters, warning that there are individuals willing to resort to violence to silence those who expose wrongdoing.
Police have launched an investigation to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the attempted killing.
