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Jennifer Rendon - The Philippine Star
June 23, 2026 | 12:00am
Roxas City-based broadcaster Jay Lavapiez
Philstar.com / File
ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A radio anchor skirted death yesterday after armed men fired at his vehicle in Roxas City, Capiz.
Jay Lavapiez, also known as Papang Jay, 48, broadcaster and station manager of Baskog Radyo, survived the ambush at 5:40 a.m.
Probers said two men on a motorcycle blocked Lavapiez’s car along a highway in Barangay Cagay.
Lavapiez was on his way to the radio station. Four bullets from a 9mm pistol hit Lavapiez’s vehicle.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 has formed a special investigation team to look into the incident.
Col. Kim Legada, chief of the regional investigation and detective management division, will supervise the probe.
Other members of the team include personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, regional anti-cybercrime unit 6 and Capiz Police Provincial Office-provincial investigation and detective management unit.
At yesterday’s press conference, acting PRO-6 director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said they are assessing the suspects’ motive, whether it is work related or not.
Lavapiez and his wife India, also a broadcaster, are reportedly facing cyberlibel complaints.
A municipal mayor of Capiz had filed cyberlibel charges against Lavapiez before a Muntinlupa City court.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has expressed concern over the incident, saying it “highlights the urgent need to protect journalists.”
The PTFOMS is working with the Philippine National Police’s Media Vanguards to examine the “cowardly act and ensure that justice is served.”
Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas condemned the assassination attempt. — Emmanuel Tupas, Alexis Romero
