PHILIPPINES: Pistol-packing journalist fends off attack in Manila

Reporter also survived a knife attack earlier this year

Taipei Times
Thursday, May 19, 2005

The columnist of a Philippine tabloid exchanged gunfire with two attackers before dawn yesterday in the latest of a rash of attacks against journalists, a police spokesman said.

Pablo Hernandez, columnist of the Bulgar (Expose) tabloid reported that he was fired upon by two motorcycle-riding men in a suburb of Manila, Senior Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil said.

The attackers missed, Bataoil said, adding that "Mr. Hernandez said he was able to fire back but [he is] not sure if he hit his attackers."

Police are investigating the case, Bataoil added. Authorities have not yet determined the motive for the attack on Hernandez, who is authorized to carry a gun for self-protection.

In February, Hernandez also survived a knife attack by an unidentified man in a billiards hall in a suburb of Manila. It was not clear if the latest attack was related to this earlier incident or to his job as a tabloid columnist.

The shooting was the latest in a rash of attacks on journalists in the Philippines that have claimed the lives of five journalists this year and 13 last year, helping to earn the country the title as one of the world's most hazardous places for journalists.

Last week, a gift-wrapped bomb sent to the home of a radio announcer in the southern Philippines exploded, killing a teenager and wounding another person.

Philippine police have said there is no evidence to support suggestions that journalists are being systematically targeted.

Date Posted: 5/19/2005