La Paz veteran broadcaster mauled
He sustained lacerations on his nose, eyebrows, and lips while his attackers, who pretended to be garbage collectors, fled the scene
Daily TribuneHe sustained lacerations on his nose, eyebrows, and lips while his attackers, who pretended to be garbage collectors, fled the scene
Courtesy of RMN Iloilo
ILOILO CITY — The Philippine National Police reported that it is eyeing a swift resolution on the case of veteran broadcaster Florencio Hervias III, who was mauled by still unidentified men in La Paz town here on Friday night.
The PNP said that it took cognizance of the incident and vowed urgent action.
Hervias, on the other hand, is hoping that authorities will be able to solve the case as soon as possible.
"I am grateful that this has reached the attention of chief PNP Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and has ordered for an investigation about the mauling incident," Hervias said in an interview on Sunday.
Reports said that three bonnet and hoodie-wearing persons attacked Hervias just after he left the building where he hosted the program "Banwa Binag-binaga" over Radio Mindanao Network on Luna Street.
He sustained lacerations on his nose, eyebrows, and lips while his attackers, who pretended to be garbage collectors, fled the scene.
It was the first time he experienced such harassment since starting his career in 1989.
Late Thursday evening, Hervias got information from media colleagues that Councilor Plaridel Nava was angry at him and his co-anchor, Roy Cejar, for bringing up the rehabilitation of the Mandurriao public market in his program.
"We were told that City Council Plaridel Nava was angry with us," he said.
Nava, in a statement issued on Saturday, said he has "nothing to do with the physical mauling".
"I admit though that I harbor ill feelings towards him and Roy Cejar after they both accused me of stealing government properties in their blocktime program. Who wouldn't? I am not a thief. I have never been and never will be. You can accuse me of anything except stealing government properties" he said.
Nava said his name and reputation as a public servant is "very, very important" to him and no one "is licensed to besmirch it with impunity".
Hervias said based on information he gathered, Nava has a joint venture with the contractor of the Mandurriao public market rehabilitation.
Col. Leo Batiles, Iloilo City police chief, assured a thorough investigation of the case.
