Radio broadcaster shot dead

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A radio commentator was shot dead in Davao Oriental late Monday, the latest attack on journalists, officials said.

Desiderio Camangyan, 52, of Sunrise FM Radio based in Mati City, was shot dead by a lone gunman shortly after hosting a singing contest in Barangay Macopa at Manay town, regional police spokesman Superintendent Querubin Manalang said.

“We dont have suspects yet. That is why we have created a task force to find out the full circumstances behind his murder,” Manalang said.

Camangyan was among the judges in a singing contest when a lone gunman approached from behind and shot him twice at close range before fleeing.

“Were still investigating the motive for the killing, whether it was work-related,” Manalang said.

He suggested Camangyan could have earned the ire of some politicians for his tirades during the campaign period.

“W’re asking his family, friends, and colleagues if he received death threats before he was gunned down,” Manalang said.

Camangyan reportedly served as emcee in all the campaign rallies of incumbent Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat.

“He was my emcee in all my rallies and campaign sorties. He really knew how to handle a crowd. He was a favorite emcee and entertainer in certain events in the province,” Rabat said.

After the elections where Rabat won her re-election bid, Camangyan returned to his radio work as commentator in Sunrise FM Radio.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) condemned the killing and called on authorities to identify the killer.

In a statement, the NUJP-Davao chapter said Camangyan is an outspoken commentator against illegal logging and mining activities in Davao Oriental.

Mati residents added Camangyan is also known for his acerbic comments against drugs and illegal gambling in the region.

Camangyan is the third radio commentator in Mindanao to be killed this year. Three others had survived assassination attempts in Luzon.