BACOLOD CITY ,Philippines – Police have filed murder charges against two suspects in the killing of Iloilo-based broadcaster Niel Jimena in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental last Aug. 22.
Senior Superintendent Allan Guisihan, Negros Occidental police director, said Jimena’s wife and daughter, assisted by Task Group Jimena which he chairs, filed the charges Friday before the provincial prosecutor’s office.
Guisihan, however, withheld the identities of the two suspects. He also refused to give copies of the complaint to reporters pending the court’s issuance of warrants of arrest.
He said a witness helped them identify the two suspects, which led to the filing of charges against them.
But as to the motive behind Jimena’s killing, Guisihan said they could not ascertain it yet although it could be related to his being a media practitioner or a former “confidential agent” of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
He said a gun-for-hire most likely pulled off the killing.
Jimena survived an attempt on his life in 2009, when he was also shot by an unidentified man near the Malogo Bridge in Victorias City, according to police records.
Guisihan said Jimena’s murder may only be declared solved if the motive and mastermind are ascertained, and with the apprehension of the two suspects.
A radio block-timer, Jimena reportedly criticized politicians or perceived political rivals of his patrons.
Three media groups have offered P600,000 cash reward for information leading to his killers’ arrest.