MikeLigalig.com

Published by the Bohol Chronicle

A veteran broadcaster landed at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Hospital late Monday afternoon after he was attacked by an employee of the city government identified with the controversial task force of City Mayor Dan Lim.

Richard Bompat who also works as member of the Effective Development Communication (EDCom) of the provincial government was rushed with blood in the face to the hospital after he
       
Doctors at the hospital had to do five stitches on the deep wound in his face as they did all means to control the flow of blood. He rolled down the pavement with his face down.

Bompat narrated that while he was talking with some friends in front of the office of the Bohol Environment and Management Office (BEMO) along Marapao Street past 4 o'clock Monday afternoon, a person whom he identified as Cesar Goloso approached him and without any provocation boxed him in the face. Bompat said that a metal object was placed in the hand of the suspect which caused the severe injury.

Witnesses said that Goloso arrived at the scene onboard a motorcycle driven by a certain Jongjong Garcia. Both are known members of the task force created under the office of Mayor Lim.

However, Mark Monton, top aide of the city mayor denied that Goloso is a member of the task force. He said that Goloso is a regular employee of the city hall who was hired during the term of former Mayor Joe Torralba.

The suspect, after hitting Bompat, fled onboard another motorcycle waiting nearby.
         
During an interview with Bompat at the GCGRH emergency room, he called on Mayor Lim to surrender Goloso to the police since he is identified closely with the mayor.

Bompat said he did not have any personal conflict with the suspect.

"I will seek justice on this incident," he declared as he raised the question: "After me, who's next?"

The reason why this happened was a "clear move to silence me as a broadcaster" since he recently commented on some legitimate issues against the city government during his radio program "Luyo sa Balita" over radio station dyRD.

For a week now, radio commentators identified with Mayor Lim and commentators identified with Gov. Edgar Chatto have been on verbal tussle "on air" on issues confronting the governance of both the city and provincial governments.

"Since there was nothing personal against Goloso", Bompat questioned why this has to happen.

It may be recalled that both Goloso and Garcia were the same persons mentioned by Nestor Daarol, another broadcaster who was threatened by the duo a few months before the May elections this year.

The incident involving the 62-year old Bompat generated criticism from the public.

"It was an affront to press freedom," stressed Peter Dejaresco, general manager of Bohol Chronicle Radio Corporation who said that "justice should be given to the member of the press."

Bompat's case came as the fourth incident involving local media personalities.

The first one was the attempted arson at the residence of broadcaster Roberto "Batchoy" Alba, the throwing of dirty water on the face of broadcaster Daarol inside the booth of dyTR and the power disconnection at the residences of broadcaster Jerry Pabe and technician Gerry Cajes, all connected with dyRD, the radio station which air legitimate issues confronting the city mayor.

Bompat is set to file charges against Goloso while the suspect remains at large.

EDCOM HEAD ISSUES
STATEMENT

Meanwhile, EDCom head Augustus "Tootsie" Escobia in a written statement expressed hope for justice and speedy resolution of the incident adding that "Because for us…if this is attained it will not just be a victory for Richard, to the ordinary people, or to all media practitioners and believers but for the entire people of Bohol".

Escobia issued the statement following the incident which happened a day preceding the anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre. He likewise hope and pray "that freedom of expression and respect to human lives still exist and will continue to exist in our beloved province".

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=34758.0