By Trisha Casabar
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Quezon City local government condemned the shooting incident involving a member of the media and several members of his family in Masambong, Quezon City.
Photojournalist Joshua Abiad and two others were wounded after being shot in front of their house at 3:50 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, by unidentified suspects.
Abiad is a personnel of Remate Online and an active member of the National Press Club.
According to the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, Abiad is a witness of both the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine National Police in drug related cases.
In a statement, MGen. Edgar Alan Okubo, regional director of NCRPO, said this incident is an “attack not only on the individual involved, but also on the freedom of the press and the values we hold dear as a society.”
The NCRPO committed to conduct thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and ensure they face legal consequences.
The group also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any information that may help in the investigation.
“Let us unite against these senseless acts and strive towards a safer and more secure Metro Manila for all,” the statement read. He also rallied support for the media community.
“We stand in solidarity with the media community and vow to protect their rights and ensure their safety,” he said.
The office extended its thoughts and prayers to the injured victims and recovery from the incident.
Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte also expressed condemnation of the traumatic incident.
“On behalf of the entire Quezon City Local Government Unit, the Quezon City Police Department, and all peace-loving Qcitizens, I would like to express my outrage and condemnation of the shooting incident that happened today in Barangay Masambong,” Belmonte said.
Belmonte emphasized that even though Abiad has been declared out of danger, “this has not diminished our determination to bring his cowardly attackers to justice.”
She further emphasized that acts of violence and intimidation have no place in Quezon City, and pledged that those responsible for the attack will face consequences.
“A full investigation is currently underway, and we are confident that more details will soon lead to rightful arrest,” she added. –ag