Broadcaster survives ambush in Kalinga

MANILA, Philippines – A broadcaster of a state-owned radio network in Kalinga was shot by unidentified men inside his booth yesterday morning, but he survived the attack.

Police identified the victim as Jerome Tabanganay, 45, anchorman of dzRH Radyo ng Bayan in Tabuk City.

Sketchy reports said Tabanganay, who had just alighted from his car for his morning radio program, was approached by motorcycle-riding men who asked who he was.

Sensing danger, the broadcaster immediately ran inside the radio station but the gunmen followed and shot him.

Wounded, Tabanganay managed to take cover inside his booth and called for help, prompting the men to escape.

Tabanganay was taken to a hospital for a wound on his foot and was declared out of danger.

Radio officials suspected that the attempt on the victim’s life could be job-related.

Cordillera police director Chief Supt. Villamor Bumanglag said they were establishing the gunmen’s identities and the motive of the attack.

Tabanganay’s shooting is the first attack on a journalist in Cordillera since the killing of Stephen Omaois five years ago. –Charlie Lagasca, Artemio Dumlao (The Philippine Star)