Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, together with PDEA 6 Director Paul Ledesma and ICPO Director Khasmir Disomangcop, called on a press conference Monday to issue his official statement on the attempted breaking in of armed men at Aksyon Radyo station.
The radio station closed-circuit television (CCTV) showed around 20 unidentified men, some of them armed, arrived in a convoy of 10 vehicles around 12:50AM of Thursday at Carlos Uy Building on Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue in Mandurriao and tried to force their way into the Aksyon Radyo’s office.
Unable to break through the locked gates of the building, the leader of the group tore off the CCTV camera before leaving the premises.
On Friday, Mabilog immediately the Iloilo City Police Office to conduct investigation and submit a report in 48 hrs.
Here’s the full statement of Mayor Mabilog issued Monday regarding the incident:
S T A T E M E N T
Today, I received the report of the Iloilo City Police Office wherein a group of men believed to be armed entered the ground premises of Carlos Uy Building located at Benigno S. Aquino Avenue , Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao , Iloilo City, wherein the Aksyon Radyo is situated at the 3rd floor of said building.
In that regard, I strongly condemn such act of disregarding the rule of law in the city. I denounce any act to undermine the freedom of the press or threaten such freedom in any way.
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I have requested the National and Regional Offices of the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police to conduct in-depth investigation, on the following:
- Shooting incidents involving loose firearms
- Alleged presence of armed groups
- Illegal drugs trade
In my letter, I made my intention clear that I want the identification and neutralization of any groups involved in illegal activities in the city. The city leadership is committed to support and provide necessary resources to achieve this purpose the soonest time possible.
I cannot allow lawlessness to derail the gains of economic development and smear the good image of the city being a progressive, peaceful and livable city. Our gains are unprecedented in the city’s history and these alleged lawlessness should not be allowed to distract our vision.
(Sgd.) HON. JED PATRICK E. MABILOG
City Mayor
