Police identify persons of interest in Capiz anchorman ambush

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The Capiz Police Provincial Office said Tuesday, June 23, that investigators have identified persons of interest in the ambush of radio anchorman Jay Lavapiez, also known as Papang Jay, in Barangay Cagay, Roxas City.

Lt. Col. Ricardo Jomuad Jr., CPPO acting provincial director, said in a radio interview that police are gathering evidence to determine what happened to the broadcaster.

Jomuad said the identities of the suspects were based on Lavapiez’s statement to police.

He said the Special Investigation Team is conducting background checks on the suspects.

The SIT appealed to the public to inform police of areas where the suspects may have passed and where closed-circuit television cameras may have captured footage that could help solve the case.

Lavapiez, 48, survived the gun attack early Monday, June 22, while on his way to his radio station.

He was unhurt after his Mitsubishi Adventure AUV was fired upon in Barangay Cagay.

Reports said Lavapiez, a resident of Costa Verde Subdivision in Barangay Cagay, was leaving his home for Baskog Radyo around 5:40 a.m. when a gunman shot at his vehicle.

Police said at least two suspects may have been involved in the attack.

Residents said two unidentified men had been seen at a waiting shed across the road in the area around 4 a.m., about an hour before the incident.

CCTV footage showed one of the suspects running after Lavapiez’s vehicle as it left the subdivision.

Four gunshots were fired, hitting the area near the driver’s seat, but Lavapiez was not struck.

Police recovered four empty shells from the crime scene.

The suspects fled toward Ivisan town on a motorcycle while wearing helmets.

“Kita ko ang ila itsura pero seconds lang. Mga 40s to 50s, hagoy-hagoy ang lawas,” Lavapiez said.

He said he was fortunate the bullets missed him.

Following the attack, the Police Regional Office 6 created a special investigation team to look into the incident.

Col. Kim Legada, chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, will supervise the investigation.

The team includes personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6, and the Capiz Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit.

In a press conference Monday, PRO-6 acting director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said investigators are still determining the motive.

“But it just could be two things only: work and non-work related,” he said.

Legada said that although Lavapiez was not hit, there appeared to be intent to kill him.

“It appeared that the gunman was not that good at what he did,” he said.

CCTV footage showed the gunman did not attempt to fire finishing shots when Lavapiez’s vehicle hit a curb.

Police said it was also possible the gunman presumed Lavapiez was armed.

Lavapiez is known for his hard-hitting commentaries against public officials and alleged wrongdoing by politicians.

He was formerly an employee of Radio Mindanao Network Inc.’s DYVR-Roxas and had served as station manager of DYRI RMN Iloilo.

Lavapiez and his wife, fellow Baskog Radyo broadcaster India Obera-Lavapiez, also known as Mamang India, have gained supporters and critics because of their commentaries.

The couple has been the subject of several cyber libel complaints.

India Obera-Lavapiez was recently charged with cyber libel by incumbent Sigma Mayor Dante Rizal Eslabon, while a municipal mayor in Capiz had earlier accused Jay Lavapiez of cyber libel before a Muntinlupa City court.

Police also said investigators are looking into whether personal grudges may have been connected to the attack.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security expressed deep concern over the attack.

“This incident highlights the urgent need to protect journalists, who play an important role in informing the public and upholding democracy,” it added.

The task force said it is working with the PNP Media Vanguards to investigate the “cowardly act and ensure that justice is served.”

“We condemn all acts of violence and intimidation against journalists and assert that such actions have no place in a democratic society.”

The task force said it stands in solidarity with Lavapiez and all media professionals and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding their rights and security.

The PRO-6 leadership also condemned the incident and assured the public it would do everything to bring those responsible to justice.

Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas also condemned the assassination attempt, threats to Lavapiez’s life and safety, and violence directed against journalists and media practitioners.

“Such reprehensible acts are not only attacks against individuals but also constitute a direct assault on the fundamental freedoms of speech, expression, and the press-rights that are essential pillars of a democratic society,” he said.

Dadivas said journalists play a vital role in informing the public, promoting transparency and holding institutions accountable.

The attack adds to continuing concerns over media safety in the Philippines, where journalists, broadcasters, and community commentators have faced threats, harassment and violence linked to their work.