Palace on latest media killing: Justice will be served

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Monday vowed to pursue justice for Rubylita Garcia, the latest victim of media killings in the country.

Reading a text message from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said law enforcers already have a facial composite of one of the suspected gunman of Garcia, a reporter of Remate tabloid and a block timer of dwAD radio station in Cavite.

"Investigator on case was able to produce an artist’s sketch through the statement of a lone witness whose identity we will keep confidential. A dedicated tracker team was organized and conducting follow-up operations against the suspect," Lacierda said at a televised press briefing.

Lacierda extended Malacañang's sympathies to Garcia's family.

"We extend our condolences to the family of the late Rubylita Garcia and we promise that we will pursue this heinous death," he said.

The STAR reported today that Garcia was shot dead in front of her house in Bacoor on Sunday morning. She died while being treated at the St. Dominic hospital for five gunshot wounds in the body.

Garcia, president of the Confederation of Active Media Practitioners Organization (CAMPO) in Region4A, was shot at close range by two gunmen in front of her house in Barangay Talaba 4 around 10:15 a.m.

The 52-year-old journalist was the president of the Confederation of Active Media Practitioners Organization (CAMPO) in Calabarzon.

A CAMPO member said Garcia had an altercation with some Cavite police officers last Wednesday, the STAR also reported.

Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares, chair of the Senate committee on public information and mass media, condemned the latest media killing.

"I strongly condemn the senseless, heinous murder of fearless journalist Ruby Garcia and the ignominy of gunning her down at her home and in full view of her granddaughter," Poe said in a statement.

She appealed to the PNP and then National Bureau of Investigation to pin down the suspects immediately.

"Swift justice must be served," Poe said. "We press for the timely resolution of cases of violence against journalists to serve as a stern warning to all in pursuit of justice, freedom of speech, and democracy." - Louis Bacani