In Valencia, Mayor Gags Critical Commentator

Joash Dignos, a commentator critical of the mayor, said he continued broadcasting because he thought that was the only way to prevent the official from harming him. �I had to continue it, to inform the people about every step he was doing,� he said. �It was my refuge.�

Story and pictures by Grace Cantal-Albasin
davaotoday.com

VALENCIA CITY � A radio station was ordered closed by the mayor of this city on Wednesday, who claimed that the station had been operating without a business permit.

But witnesses said the target of the mayor�s ire was a commentator of the station who had been very critical of him.

Mayor Jose Galario Jr. and his men stormed DXVR, a station of Radio Mindanao Network, at past 9 o�clock in the morning on Wednesday after Joash Dignos, the anchorman of the Kuskos Batikos program, refused to stop broadcasting his program despite an earlier closure order by Galario.

Dignos said he continued broadcasting because he thought that was the only way to prevent Galario from harming him. �I had to continue it, to inform the people about every step he was doing,� Dignos said. �It was my refuge.�

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