Radio reporter shot dead

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A hard-hitting radio commentator was killed by an assassin Monday night in Pagadian City, the police reported here yesterday.

The victim was identified as Egardo Damalerio, of Pagadian City-based dxKP radio station of the Radio Philippines Network (RPN), according to a report recieved by Regional Police director, Chief Supt. Simeon Dizon.

The report stated that Damalerio was driving his owner-type jeepney on his way home, along with a companion, coming from a press conference when he was shot by the gunman around 9:15 p.m. Monday along Plaza Luz, downtown Pagadian City.

Investigation showed that the assassin, riding tandem of a single motorcycle that accosted Damalerio’s jeepney, fatally shot the victim at an arms-length distance.

The caliber .45-wielding assassin and his companion sped to unknown direction and is now the subject for identification and eventual arrest.

The police said Damalerio’s companion during that fatal incident, is willing to testify that will help in the early solution of the crime. His identity was witheld for security reasons.

Damalerio, who was the managing-editor of a community newspaper, Zamboanga Scribe in Pagadian City, has reportedly received several death threats due to his commentaries against erring government officials in the area.– Roel Pareño