December 18, 2017
A radio broadcaster in Davao City received a series of death threats on December 18, Monday, for her sharp commentaries against the government.
Kathyrine Cortez, anchor of Davao City-based Radyo ni Juan, received several text messages from number 0946-700-2090 warning her to slow down on her criticisms.
The first message, which was sent at 9:24 a.m., saying: “hinay2 lang bata ka pa! Cge ka pa pagda0t sa gbyerno murag ka korek! Undangi na inyong pagdpig sa komunista!” (Go slow, you are still young. You keep on criticizing the government as if you are always right. Stop siding with the communists!)
It was followed by another message saying “undangi na iny0ng kabuang, oi! basin di namo maabtan 2018 klaro kaayo m0 kumunesta!” (Hey, stop with your craziness. You might not live long enough to see 2018 [as] it is clear you are a communist!)
The harasser ended with a death threat saying“[I]sang bala para nimu! meri xmas!”(One bullet for you. Merry Christmas!)
Cortez is the host of 5-minute radio segment, Morning Review. She received the threatening messages just after she criticized Isabelle Duterte for her controversial photoshoot in Malacañang, which has also earned the ire of many netizens for its inappropriateness and excessive display of the Duterte family’s wealth.
The broadcaster compared this to the Marcos family’s lavish lifestyle during their reign.
Cortez has also been reporting and commenting about human rights violations, continuing harassments on Lumad communities, and the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.
The incident had already been reported to the Regional Anti Cybercrime Division Office XI in Camp D. Leonor San Pedro St., Davao City.
Reference:
NUJP Media Safety Office
NUJP Hotline: (0917) 515 5991
