GOV. Xavier Jesus Romualdo has condemned the burning of a van owned by the former president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Manuel Jaudian, as an attempt to disrupt the province’s peace ahead of the upcoming elections.
Romualdo expressed concern that the incident may be a coordinated campaign of black propaganda to falsely portray Camiguin as unstable.
“We strongly condemn nga na’y mga ing-ani nga nahitabo dinhi. Makatingala lang kaayo na naa’y mga ing-ani nga mga scenario nga panghitabo karon nga duol ang eleksyon,” Romualdo said in a radio interview with Brigada News FM CdeO.
The governor emphasized that Camiguin remains a peaceful province and warned against efforts to damage its reputation.
Romualdo assured the public that a police investigation is underway and vowed to prevent any groups from sowing disorder.
He also called for political opponents to avoid tactics that could harm Camiguin’s image and economy.
PNP Camiguin is supporting the BFP in an ongoing investigation into the fire incident involving Manuel Jaudian, former president of COPC.
PNP personnel were deployed to secure the scene and ensure safety, working closely with BFP responders.
The BFP is leading the investigation to determine the fire’s origin and cause.
The PNP has taken proactive steps, including rapid response, collaboration with BFP, community assistance, and security presence.
The PNP is committed to upholding law and order and ensuring transparency, professionalism, and cooperation with partner agencies.
Meanwhile, the Cagayan de Oro Press Club condemns the cowardly act.
At about 2:00 this morning, the service van of Jaudian was scorched by unidentified suspects in barangay Poblacion, Sagay town.
“The fire personnel and I found a plastic container and a makeshift torch for ignition, emitting flammable vapor/odor,” Jaudian confirmed.
He added that they have already submitted the discovered items for laboratory examination.
Club president Froilan Gallardo urged all reporters covering the election in Camiguin to be more cautious and to have safety in mind, always.
Gallardo has already alerted the Police Regional Office-10 and Malacañang through the Presidential Task Force on Media Security.
“We will not be cowed by this act of terrorism against the free press. We shall continue to do our duty in informing the people and our mandate as the fourth estate,” Gallardo said.
Gallardo also urged members of the press to report any harassment immediately.
NUJP Cagayan de Oro joins COPC in urging the Camiguin Police Provincial Office and Police Regional Office of Northern Mindanao to provide a thorough investigation and hold the perpetrators, including the mastermind, accountable.
“This incident only shows that harassment against the media, which is one of the most documented press freedom violations in the country, has been continuing. Before this incident, NUJP had documented 177 media attacks under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” NUJP remarked in a statement. PIA/PHOTO: XJ ROMUALDO FACEBOOK/INSET COURTESY OF TOPING RODRIGUEZ
