Threats against Mati-based broadcaster continue

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A Mati City-based radio commentator has been receiving text messages threatening to kill him if he continues his broadcasts.  Mati is the capital of Davao Oriental, a province approximately 1,027 kilometers south of Manila.

DxWM-Sunrise FM commentator Lito Labra  received several threatening text messages on 12 May 2012 and on 16 May 2012 following the first threat sent to him on 10 May 2012 SMS (http://www.cmfr-phil.org/2012/05/14/another-mindanao-radio-anchor-receives-threat-over-mining-stories/).  The threat was allegedly connected to his mining stories.

A text message sent on 16 May 2012 around 9 a.m. (local time) read, “kuyawa nmo bro, sa eri kuyaw kunohay ka mailad jud nmo ang tao.davao pka ba! Hntud sa mati mangatik jpon ka, cge lang gmonitor ta ghapon ka sa mkabenta lngtan awon nato knsa mghilak ug dugo. (Magaling ka talaga sa tao. Niloko mo ang tao kahit sa Davao ka pa. Sige lang minomonitor pa rin kita kapag makakuha ako ng tiyempo iiyak ka ng dugo.)”

CMFR tried to call the mobile number (+632-909- 570- 2235) used to send the threats but it was unreachable.

In a text message sent to the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, Labra said he and his family have not left their home since Saturday. According to him the provincial police have given him three security escorts who are with him every day.