The vehicle of the former president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC), Manuel Jaudian, was set on fire in Sagay, Camiguin dawn on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

COPC condemned the incident In a statement.

The suspects are unidentified, as of this posting.

The vehicle was parked outside Jaudian’s house and he was sleeping at that time.

“The fire personnel and I found a plastic container and a makeshift torch for ignition, emitting flammable vapor/odor,” Jaudian confirmed to COPC.

Jaudian said they have submitted the items discovered to authorities for laboratory examination.

COPC President Froilan Gallardo urged all journalists covering the election in Camiguin to take extra caution and keep safety in mind.

Gallardo also alerted the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) about the incident.

“We will not be cowed by this act of terrorism against the free press. We shall continue to do our duty in informing the people and our mandate as the fourth estate,” Gallardo said.

Gallardo also urged members of the press to report any harassment immediately.

PFToMS earlier said any attack on members of the media during the election period is considered an election offense.

Meanwhile, PRO-10 assured the public and the media community that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Police said the van was damaged partially and no one was hurt in the incident.

“This swift response and continued investigative effort reflect PRO 10’s unwavering commitment to protecting media practitioners, especially amid heightened public interest during the election period,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, said in a statement.

“We encourage members of the media to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity or threat to their safety. PRO 10 remains a steadfast partner in upholding press freedom,” he added.

(With reports from James Paolo Yap, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)