Camarines radio man's attacker seeks police custody due to threats

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The principal suspect in the murder attempt on radio commentator Miguel Belen has offered to turn state witness and identify the alleged mastermind of the attack.

Camarines Sur police director Senior Superintendent Jonathan Ablang said Eric Vargas, 28, had sought police protection shortly before he was charged yesterday.

Ablang said Vargas asked a police asset to facilitate his surrender and express willingness to turn state witness.

Vargas reportedly surrendered and sought police protection after receiving death threats from a group whom he claimed had ordered the attack.

“Right now we are keeping the suspect in a secret safe house. More arrests could follow should Vargas fully cooperate with us,” Ablang said.

Vargas was charged with frustrated murder before the Camarines Sur Prosecutor’s Office in Naga City.

“We will pin down the other suspects once their names and whereabouts are divulged to us by Vargas,” Ablang said.

Belen, a reporter of dwEB radio, was shot by unidentified gunmen in Nabua town last week.

He sustained seven gunshot wounds but survived and his condition was reported to be improving.

The assault on Belen occurred just days after President Aquino ordered the police and military to jointly address attacks against members of media.

Belen was the second journalist to be attacked under the days-old Aquino administration.

Earlier, Jose Daguio, 72, a reporter of a community newspaper, was killed in his house in Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Over 100 journalists have been killed in the country, mostly during the nine-year administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.