Blocktimer survives killing attempt

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A radio blocktimer was wounded after unidentified men attacked him in Iloilo City last 2 March 2012. Iloilo City is 464 kilometers south of Manila.

Blocktimers buy “blocks” of radio or TV airtime for their programs, which they market to advertisers.

Fernando Gabio Sr., a blocktimer at dyRI-Radio Mindanao Network, sustained a gunshot wound in his right leg after unidentified men riding tandem on a motorcycle attacked him while he was cleaning his car in front of his house in Jaro district, Iloilo City. Gabio anchors “Exposé”, a blocktime program on local governance aired over dyRI of the Radio Mindanao Network.

In a 5 March 2012 phone interview with the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Gabio said that while he was cleaning his car, a motorcycle with two men on board suddenly stopped behind it. One of the riders alighted with a gun in hand. Gabio was pulling out the .45 caliber pistol he keeps in his waist bag when the gunman fired at him thrice. A spot report of the Jaro police station said that investigators had recovered .45 cal. Pistol shells and slugs at the crime scene.

Gabio was hit in the right leg by the third shot. Gabio said the gunman seemed ready to “finish him off” but fled together with his accomplice when he saw that Gabio was armed.

Gabio’s relatives were able to get the plate number of the motorcycle used by the gunman.  But Gabio said police found no record of a motorcycle with plate number FB-2335 at the local Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The 62-year-old blocktimer believes the attack may be related to his commentaries on anomalies in the city government. He said he has been receiving death threats prior to the attack. One of the death threats urged him to stop discussing city hall issues, which Gabnio said include corruption.

Bert Ladera, a reporter of dyRI-RMN, told CMFR that the blocktimer’s recent commentaries on allegedly anomalous in government transactions involving the city mayor might be the reason behind the attack. “Hard-hitting po kasi ‘yung program niya eh (Gabio’s radio program is hard-hitting),”Ladera explained.

The police have provided Gabio with security escorts while the investigation is ongoing.

Gabio was the co-host of slain broadcaster Niel “Lito” Jimena. Jimena was killed on 22 August 2011 allegedly for his exposes on alleged corruption and other illegal activities in the province of Negros Occidental. A murder complaint was filed before a court in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental early 2012.