Capiz radioman survives attempted gunmen attack; motive still not clear

MJ Farrley Ong

A Roxas City-based radio broadcaster who has been facing multiple reports on cyber libel survived an attempted ambush Monday morning, June 22, prompting objections from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and concerns over press freedom in the country. 

Jay Lavapiez, a broadcaster of Baskog Radio, managed to escape unharmed after gunmen opened fire at his vehicle on his way to work at around 8:45 a.m that day.

According to a statement by the NUJP, Lavapiez was driving his sport utility vehicle toward the radio station when he noticed two men on a parked motorcycle along the highway near San Lorenzo in Barangay Cagay, Roxas City.

One of the suspects reportedly tapped the shoulder of his companion before firing several shots at Lavapiez’ vehicle. The broadcaster managed to escape the attack by driving in a zigzag pattern.

Lavapiez later parked his vehicle astride a roadside gutter, telling the NUJP it was his intention to make the gunmen believe he had been shot.

The suspects then fled the scene after the attack.

Although Lavapiez was physically unharmed, he was left traumatized by the incident.

The incident comes amid ongoing legal battles involving Lavapiez and his wife, fellow radio broadcaster India Lavapiez. 

According to the NUJP, the couple has been facing multiple cyber libel cases filed by local public officials following their reports on alleged irregularities involving local government officials in Capiz.

The journalist said the complaints grew from reports filed in 2025 concerning an unpermitted cemetery owned by a local official, alleged irregularities in traffic enforcement along a national highway, and other allegations involving corruption.

Media groups have long argued that criminal libel laws are used to intimidate reporters and discourage public-interest journalism. 

The Philippine National Police in Roxas City has launched an investigation and has made a commitment to provide security for the broadcaster. 

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security has also begun its own inquiry, stating that violence and intimidation against journalists have no place in a democratic society.

In a statement, the NUJP condemned the attack and urged the authorities to identify the gunmen and the alleged individuals who planned the shooting.

“The NUJP urges authorities to promptly identify the perpetrators and the mastermind behind the recent attack,” the organization said.

The group has reiterated its call to reform the libel law, describing it as outdated and inconsistent with press freedom.