(CMFR/IFEX) – A radio station in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, in southern Philippines, was bombed in the early morning of 6 June 2001, injuring two people. The bomb exploded in the compound housing the station of dyHB Radyo Agong of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), leaving a three-metre hole in an outside wall. Two bystanders were […]
(CMFR/IFEX) – A radio station in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, in southern Philippines, was bombed in the early morning of 6 June 2001, injuring two people. The bomb exploded in the compound housing the station of dyHB Radyo Agong of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), leaving a three-metre hole in an outside wall. Two bystanders were injured.
The blast nearly uprooted a tree near the station walls where the bomb had been planted. The explosion also shattered the glass windows of a Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) ATM booth and an apartment building, both near the station compound.
The police explosives expert assigned to the case described the bomb as military issue, and said that the ingredients used to create the bomb are not available commercially, leading authorities to suspect the involvement of the police or military.
Police also claimed that the bomb was similar to that used in another bombing incident last week at the home of a local businessman. The businessman openly supports Police Chief Supt. Amado Marquez, who has successfully waged war against rogue cops and crime.
Local journalists condemned the attack, which they have linked to the station’s devoted reporting on the police crackdown on drugs and local crime syndicates involving rogue police officers. On the other hand, station manager Vic Mercado said that the station’s persistent coverage of the military pursuit of the Dos Palmas kidnappers could be the motive behind the bombing. RMN radio stations have been interviewing leaders of the bandit group Abu Sayyaf, particularly its spokesperson Abu Sabaya, in view of the recent kidnappings in the region.
The bombing was the fourth in the city this year.
For further information, contact Melinda Quintos de Jesus, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), 2nd Floor, Ateneo Professional Schools, 130 H.V. dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines, tel: +63 2 894 1314/1326, fax: +63 2 840 0889, e-mail: cmfr@surfshop.net.ph, Internet: http://www.cmfr.com.ph
