Philippines Authorities Must Prosecute Abductors

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in demanding an immediate investigation into the abduction of the 17-year-old daughter of a radio commentator in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Province.

The victim, a student at Palawan State University and the daughter of dyEC broadcaster Louie Larroza, was abducted on the morning of September 15. She was forced into a black van by a group of unidentified men, and rescued later that day in an operation involving Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Command.

She was rescued after authorities traced the signal of a mobile phone she was able to hide from her abductors.

NUJP Palawan Chapter chair Redempto Anda said Larroza told local media the abduction “could be a warning for me to stop my broadcasts”. It may relate to Larroza’s continued criticism of former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes, who allegedly orchestrated the murder of broadcaster Gerardo “Doc Gerry” Ortega in Palawan on January 24. Larroza had discussed Reyes’ alleged involvement in Ortega’s murder on-air the morning his daughter was abducted.

“Authorities must investigate this abduction with the utmost urgency, and offer reasonable assurances to the safety of Larroza and his family,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“The abduction of a broadcaster’s family member is a deeply disturbing attack on outspoken journalists and defenders of press freedom.”

Larroza, who is also the station manager at dyEC, has also been critical of CitiNickel Mining’s operations in Narra, Palawan. Ortega had campaigned against mining operations in Palawan province, and was highly critical of Reyes’ relationship with mining companies.

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

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