Three government media staff members aboard a military helicopter survived an attack by still unidentified gunmen in Basilan province in southern Philippines last 16 August 2009 at around 10:45 a.m. (local time).
Television reporter George Bandola of the state-owned National Broadcasting Network-Channel 4, cameraman Egay Luciano and Office of the Press Secretary photographer Louie Iglesia were wounded during the attack in Basilan, a province in Mindanao approximately 901 kilometers from Manila.
Bandola told the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility in a phone interview that they were not wearing any protective gear such as bullet proof vests at the time. However, he said they were briefed by the military on the dangers of joining them.
Before the incident, the three covered a flag-raising ceremony in Sitio (sub-village) Kurrelem, Barangay (village) Silangkum in Tipo-tipo town, Basilan at around 8 a.m. The event marked the military’s capture of the supposed main camp of the Abu Sayyaf group, which is known for its kidnap-for-ransom operations.
He said the two UH-1H helicopters, better known as “Hueys”, were returning to the Edwin Andrews Airbase, the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force in Zamboanga City which is around 38 kilometers from Basilan.
The helicopters were flying at low altitude when fired upon from the ground at the boundary of Tipo-Tipo and Al-Barka town, Basilan. Contrary to earlier reports, Bandola said soldiers aboard the helicopter fired back.
The transmission oil line of one of the helicopters was damaged, forcing the pilot to make a “precautionary landing” in Lamitan City, Basilan. The helicopter which carried the journalists also landed. Both helicopters sustained bullet holes.
“We were just so lucky we survived the attack,” said Bandola who was brought to the Edwin Andrews Airbase clinic along with Luciano and Iglesia for treatment.
Media groups have called the attention of the police and military to the need to assure the safety of journalists and media practitioners who join their operations. Last June 3, tabloid reporter Jojo Trajano died during a police anti-illegal drug raid. Alleged drug syndicate members fired at the police raiding team he was with.
