TV reporters hurt during demolition

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – Two TV reporters got hurt while covering a confrontation between local authorities and informal settlers during a demolition of the latter’s homes in Makati City last 28 April 2011. Makati City is part of the Philippine National Capital Region (Metro Manila).

ABS-CBN TV correspondent Niko Baua and TV 5 reporter Rommel Lopez were injured during the confrontation at the Laperal Compound in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati.

Baua and other reporters were covering the demolition when some irate residents started throwing rocks at the Makati City demolition team.

The site of the Laperal Compound was declared a danger zone after a fire last 19 April. The Makati government asked the residents to leave the site by 2:30 p.m. of 28 April 2011. The local government, Baua reported, promised to give financial assistance of P3,000 to P5,000 (approximately USD70 to USD116) and to transfer the residents to relocation sites in the nearby provinces of Bulacan and Laguna.

“Our camera cables got burned after it was hit by a Molotov bomb that is why our coverage was cut in a moment. A smoke bomb landed in front of our OB van; the crew cab windshield was also broken.  I was taking photos when I was hit by rocks,” Baua told the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility last 29 April. Baua decided to continue with his live report after receiving first aid.

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