Palace condemns latest media slay

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang condemned yesterday the killing of a radio commentator in Bukidnon last week by two unidentified motorcycle-riding men.

“We condemn the killing of Bukidnon radio commentator Joas Dignos of dxGT Radyo Abante in Valencia City,” Press Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said, as he assured the victim’s family that the Philippine National Police is pursuing the perpetrators.

Dignos, a radio block timer, was reportedly standing along a busy stretch of a national highway in Valencia town proper last Friday when the gunmen pulled over near him, drew their handguns and opened fire.

“We urge the PNP to track and arrest his assailants and bring them before the bar of justice,” Coloma said, urging citizens who may have relevant information to assist the law enforcement authorities for the immediate capture of the killers.

Coloma said the police are conducting pursuit operations against the suspects.

“Police authorities are under instructions to exert utmost efforts in bringing the assailants to the bar of justice,” he said.

“We reiterate government’s commitment to solve the killings of journalists, broadcasters, and media practitioners through the combined efforts of all concerned government agencies,” he added.

In his regular weekend interview, Coloma said the PNP is already strengthening its investigative arm while the Department of Justice has beefed up the ranks of prosecutors assigned to build up and file cases.

“We are determined to end the culture of impunity that has brought about these media killings and we call on the citizens to support our efforts,” Coloma said.

The Valencia police said Dignos died on the spot.

His killers hurriedly left the scene on their motorcycle.

Investigators have yet to determine if the attack was related to the victim’s profession as a broadcast journalist in the local radio station that was rocked by a grenade explosion in June. The station’s janitor was injured in that incident.