Radio commentator shot dead

MANILA, Philippines – Two unidentified men gunned down a hard-hitting radio commentator shortly after he dropped his daughter at school in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental yesterday morning.

Police said the suspects, riding in tandem on a motorcycle, shot Ariceo Padrigao, a block-timer commentator for dxRS Radyo Natin, in the face outside the Bukidnon State University at 7:15 a.m. yesterday. He died instantly.

Padrigao was the seventh journalist murdered in the Philippines since January and the 54th since President Arroyo assumed office in 2001.

Police have yet to determine the motive of the killing but Padrigao was known for his fiery criticism of corruption in his regular radio program.

Initial investigation showed that Padrigao was about to leave on a motorcycle after dropping off his daughter at school when the suspects shot him twice, hitting him in the left jaw.

Witnesses could only describe one of Padrigao’s assailants as wearing a crash helmet.

Media groups have condemned the killing.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa directed Region 10 police director Chief Superintendent Teodorico Capuyan to speed up the investigation and arrest the individuals involved in the attack as well as the possible mastermind, said PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists as well as the French group Reporters Without Borders has branded the Philippines as the second most dangerous place for working journalists outside Iraq.

The Manila-based Center for Media Freedoms and Responsibility has raised the same observation.

In August, radio and newspaper journalist Ronaldo Julia was shot dead in Camarines Sur.

Three journalists were killed in the Philippines last year, and 12 the previous year. – With Roel Pareño