Radio broadcaster killed in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  – A radio broadcaster and incumbent barangay captain here was shot dead by unknown assailants Sunday night.

Davao City police chief Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa identified the victim as Aldion Layao, 34, village chief of Barangay Lacson in Calinan district.

Layao used to host a radio program aired over Radio GMA here in Davao City before he ran for a local post. He was with Bombo Radio (dxRA) when he was killed.

De la Rosa said Layao was pronounced dead on arrival at the Robillo District Hospital due to gunshot wounds on the left side of his neck.

He said unidentified armed men on board a motorcycle shot the victim at Purok 4, Barangay Lacson, Calinan at around 9:30 p.m., while he was inside his vehicle with a relative.

“(The attack appeared to be) more politically motivated than media related (his work as a media practitioner),” said De la Rosa. “I have talked to the wife and she revealed some information to us and we are now investigating the matter.”

The police chief refused to name names pending investigation. However, he said he is giving weight to the statement of Layao’s wife.

“The closest person to the victim is the wife,” De la Rosa said, adding that other angles will also be pursued to get to the bottom of the incident and prosecute individuals responsible for the attack.

“If during the course of the investigation, pieces of evidence point to other motive and persons, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.  — Cecille Suerte Felipe