Hoax text message rattles Capiz media
ROXAS CITY – The media community here panicked Sunday evening after a text message circulated that four mediamen were involved in a vehicular accident. Fortunately, it turned out that the text message was a hoax.
The text message says: "John Heredia, Jerry Pagharion and Edward Basilonia DOA at the CEM 10PM, Ipe Celino 50/50 vehicular accident. Pls. inform others." It came from cell phone number 09085664485.
Edward Basilonia is the publisher of Capiz Chronicle, Gerry Pagharion is the editor of the Capiz Times, John Heredia anchors a cable television program and serves as news correspondent of The News Today, while Felipe Celino is correspondent of Panay News.
Heredia said that the text message may be a joke but it could not be ignored because it might be a continuation of the threats to the lives of media practitioners like the recent killing of Radio Mindanao Network broadcaster Martin Roxas.
"We can not take it for granted," Heredia said adding that whoever done it has the directory of all media personalities.
Heredia, president of National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Capiz chapter, said that the text message was sent to all local radio stations, cable TV, friends and government officials.
Basilonia refused to comment on the text message.
Celino and Pagharion both said that the text message was done by persons who have nothing to do in their lives.