Radioman's killers identified

Bacolod City, Philippines – Police have identified the suspected killers of radio block-timer Niel Jimena, who was gunned down in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental on Aug. 22.

Senior Superintendent Allan Guisihan, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, however, said Wednesday that they are withholding the identities of the suspects, pending the filing of murder charges against them.

He said Task Group Jimena, which he chairs, is looking into all possible motives for the murder, which could be related to Jimena’s job as a media practitioner and a former confidential agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Jimena survived an attempt on his life in 2009 when he was shot by an unidentified gunman near the Malogo Bridge in Victorias City.

At least three media organizations are offering P600,000 as reward for the apprehension of Jimena's killers.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said he will file libel cases against several journalists and personalities who implicated him in the murder of Jimena.

The mayor said the respondents include journalists writing for a newspaper owned by Iloilo Press Club president Rommel Ynion.

Mabilog said he will seek damages ranging from P20 million to P40 million.