PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. ordered a thorough investigation into the reported mauling of a radio “blocktimer” in Iloilo City on Friday.

“The PNP is taking urgent action into another incident involving a member of media,” the top cop said in referring to the case of Pio Hervias, a radio blocktimer who was reportedly mauled by still unidentified men on Friday morning in La Paz, Iloilo City.

PNP Public Information Office (PIO) Chief Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Augustus B. Alba said Azurin had ordered the Iloilo City Police Office to provide security to the alleged mauling victim.

“The Iloilo City Police Office has also initiated an in-depth investigation to possibly identify and arrest the suspects,” he said. A city-wide dragnet was also launched to apprehend the suspects, he added.

Azurin maintained that “any assault on working journalists is being considered by the PNP as a serious case that deserves prompt and preferential action.”

“We are confident that the investigation of Hervias’ case will yield positive development in due time. Tulong-tulong po tayo para patuloy nating maprotektahan ang mga kasamahan nating mamahayag,” Azurin said.

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Alfred P. Dalizon