Palace condemns assault on Abante printing plant

September 10, 2019

Malacanang condemned on Tuesday the attack against Abante News Group's printing plant in Paranaque City.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte would surely order a thorough investigation into the incident.

"We’d like to condemn the assault on this Abante printing press shop. We cannot allow this thing to happen against any member of the Fourth State. The President will certainly be directing a thorough investigation of this case and we will prosecute those behind this dastardly act," he said.

According to Abante managing editor Fernando Jadulco, four hooded men, carrying guns, forced their way through the company's security, poured gasoline and set fire to the printing machines and supplies between 1 am and 2 am on September 9 or shortly after dispatching the Monday edition of Abante and Tonite newspapers.

He said at least two of Abante's staff were injured during the less than five-minute incident.

He said it was the first violent act against their company and facilities since 1987. 

"We will not be cowed by this attempt to strike fear into our reporters, editors and staff. Our commitment to hard-hitting journalism remains unshaken," Jadulco said. Celerina Monte/DMS