Journalist shot dead in Pasig

A publisher and columnist of a community newspaper in Cavite was shot dead Monday by an unidentified gunman in Pasig City.

Benefredo Acabal, 34, suffered five gunshot wounds in different parts of his body. He was declared dead on arrival at the Rizal Medical Center.

Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Leon Nilo de la Cruz said they have yet to establish if Acabal’s murder is related to his job in the Pilipino Newsmen.

Acabal, a resident of Bulihan in Silang, Cavite, was also involved in a trucking business.

Acabal is the 71st journalist killed in the country since 1986. Sixty-seven of the victims were from the provinces.

Police Officer 2 Lardy Ignacio said residents of Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Barangay Mang­ gahan heard several gunshots at about 10:15 p.m.

A witness, Ronaldo Lising, 22, said he saw a bleeding man being chased by an armed man. He was on his way to work when he heard gunshots. He said the victim was running toward him when the suspect fired again.

Fearing for his life, Lising said he ran away from the crime scene, but not before seeing the victim fall to the ground.

Witnesses said the gunman then boarded a motorcycle and fled towards Barangay Rosario.

Army Staff Sgt. Antonio Raynilo rushed the victim to the hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The police recovered five shells from a 9mm pistol from the crime scene.

De la Cruz said they are having a hard time identifying the gunman because witnesses failed to see his face at close range.

Lising said he could not remember the killer’s face since there was not enough light in the area where Acabal was shot.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists as well as the French Reporters Without Borders have both branded the Philippines as the second most dangerous place for working journalists outside of Iraq.

At least three journalists were killed in the Philippines last year, while 12 were killed in 2006.

The deaths have forced the government to set up a special task force to protect members of the press, who in some cases are allowed to carry handguns for their own protection.