3 weeks ago
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THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed a strong condemnation of the burning of a vehicle owned by a former president of the Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Press Club in Sagay town, Camiguin.
The CHR at the same time urged law enforcement authorities to pursue a thorough investigation and ensure the safety and protection of journalists.
"As the country's independent national human rights institution, the Commission firmly condemns all acts of violence against journalists," the commission said in a statement.
The commission said "such attacks undermine press freedom and weaken the very pillars of free expression and open discourse."
The incident occurred at around 2 a.m. on May 10, when unidentified individuals set the van of Manuel Jaudian ablaze.
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The CHR received the report through its Alisto! Alert Mechanism, a platform dedicated to promptly responding to incidents involving media workers.
In line with its mandate, the CHR said it has launched an independent investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
"A free and independent press is vital to a healthy democracy," said the CHR. "Any act of intimidation against members of the media threatens this foundation and must be met with urgent and decisive action."
Earlier, journalists' groups had also condemned the incident which happened after Jaudian had discussed the impact of dynasticism and vote-buying in Camiguin.
