Jay Lavapiez, a 48-year-old radio anchor and station manager, survived an ambush in Roxas City, Capiz, when gunmen fired at his vehicle early in the morning.
The incident occurred at 5:40 a.m. on June 22 when two men on a motorcycle blocked Lavapiez’s car along a highway in Barangay Cagay. He was traveling to Baskog Radyo, where he works as broadcaster and station manager. Four bullets from a 9mm pistol struck his vehicle but he was unharmed.
Police Regional Office 6 formed a special investigation team that includes personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and other units. Col. Kim Legada will supervise the probe. Acting PRO-6 director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño stated at a press conference that authorities are assessing whether the motive is work-related.
Lavapiez and his wife India, also a broadcaster, face cyberlibel complaints filed by a municipal mayor of Capiz. The Presidential Task Force on Media Security expressed concern and is coordinating with the Philippine National Police’s Media Vanguards. Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas condemned the attack.
