Tovic Salvador

CHR probes burning of media van in Camiguin

Article (news)

Marilyn Cahatol

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17469347958861746934793739.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Two unidentified persons set fire to journalist Manuel Jaudian&#x27;s media van in Camiguin on March 10, 2025. <em>Photo frim Manuel Jaudian </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights on Sunday, May 11, said that it is conducting an independent investigation into the burning of a journalist&#x27;s van in Sagay, Camiguin on Saturday.</p><p>The van, owned by former Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) president Manuel Jaudian, was set on fire by two unidentified people, COPC said Saturday.</p><p>CHR, which maintains its Alisto alter mechanism on media rights violations, urged authorities to ensure journalists’ safety, especially in local communities.</p><p>The commission condemned attacks on media, which “undermine press freedom and weaken the very pillars of free expression and open discourse.”</p><p>It added: “A free and independent press is vital to a healthy democracy. Any act of intimidation against members of the media threatens this foundation and must be met with urgent and decisive action.”</p><p>Jaudian, who is connected to Cagayan de Oro news website Mindanao Daily News, said he found a gasoline container and torch beside the van. Authorities believe these may have been used in the arson.</p><p>The evidence is now in the custody of the Bureau of Fire Protection.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/5/10/van-ng-media-sa-camiguin-sinilaban-1622">Van ng media sa Camiguin, sinilaban</a></div><p>While the freedom of the press in the Philippines has improved this year, it remains to pose a “difficult situation” for media personnel performing their job as watchdogs, according to press freedom advocate Reporters Without Borders (RSF).</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/10/tv-patrol-3-pinoy-cardinals-ibinahagi-ang-ilang-tagpo-sa-conclave-1835">Press freedom in PH improves but global state of journalists falls to &#x27;difficult&#x27; for first time</a></div><p>The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has recorded 177 media attacks under the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BHfSJRC3XtY?si=0L0iJ3faEvmIBZtU" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The Commission on Human Rights on Sunday, May 11, said that it is conducting an independent investigation into the media van burned in Sagay, Camiguin, on May 10.</p>

The Commission on Human Rights on Sunday, May 11, said that it is conducting an independent investigation into the media van burned in Sagay, Camiguin, on May 10.