On 20 June 1995, an attempt was made on the life of journalist Florente Formento in Cotabato, a city on the island of Mindanao. Florente Formento was heading home on his moped, when two men armed with revolvers leaped into sight and blocked the road, forcing him to stop. The two opened fire on the […]
On 20 June 1995, an attempt was made on the life of journalist
Florente Formento in Cotabato, a city on the island of Mindanao.
Florente Formento was heading home on his moped, when two men
armed with revolvers leaped into sight and blocked the road,
forcing him to stop. The two opened fire on the journalist as he
fled on foot. He was wounded when a bullet grazed his stomach.
Passers-by attempted to help Formento, but the two gunmen
threatened them with a grenade before fleeing on Formento’s
moped. It is thought that the shooting is linked to some of the
journalist’s stories on the parliamentary elections which took
place last May. The mayor of Cotabato, Ludovico Badoy, ordered an
investigation into the attack.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Filipino authorities:
Florente Formento as a serious attack on freedom of expression
investigation opened into the incident be thorough and
independent
and foreign journalists are able to work safely in the
Philippines
Appeals To
His Excellency Fidel Ramos
President
Malacanang Palace
Manila, Philippines
Fax: +63 2 731 1325/+63 2 832 7793
the Filipino diplomatic representative in your country
your Ambassador to the Philippines
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
