TV reporter warned of plot to kill him

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – A field reporter of a TV network said he has learned of an assassination plot against him for a report on illegal logging that he did involving a businessman in Butuan City. Butuan City is 801 kilometers south of Manila.

Rodge Cultura, a field reporter of ABS-CBN since 2007, told the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) last 25 November 2011 that the alleged gun-for-hire told his brother about the alleged assassination plot on the morning of 22 November 2011. The gunman is a friend of Cultura’s brother.

Cultura said the gun-for-hire was offered P50, 000 (approximately USD 1,138) but declined after learning who the target was. But the alleged gun-for-hire warned his brother that somebody else might have already accepted the offer.

Last 23 November 2011, Cultura said he noticed a man on board a motorcycle who seemed to be waiting for him. He said he became suspicious after the man suddenly stopped and made a u-turn as if to wait for him to pass by. This prompted him to make a u-turn and flee. He reported the matter to the TV network and to the police authorities. The police will now provide him a security escort with ABS-CBN shouldering part of the expenses.

Cultura has been reporting on illegal logging in Butuan City which is allegedly a major transit point for illegally-cut timber. The reporter said his stories called the attention of local authorities to the illegal activities of the big player connected with government officials.

“Kahit may log ban na po, hindi po sumusunod yung mga big player dito (Even when there’s a log ban here, the big players are not complying),” Cultura added.

Cultura said the threats will not stop him from reporting on anomalies in their province. “Na-appreciate ko po ‘yung tulong ng local media dito. Dahil sa pressure ng local media, gumagawa po ng aksyon ang mga pulis dito (I appreciate the help of the local media. Because of the pressure they exert, the police are taking action),” he said. The intelligence unit of the police is now monitoring his residence.