President Duterte ordered authorities to leave no stone unturned in finding and prosecuting those behind the killing of broadcaster Dindo Generoso in an ambush by still unidentified gunmen in Barangay Piapi, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Thursday morning.
President Rodrigo Duterte
(Keith Bacongco / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo also expressed the government’s condemnation of the crime against the Bai Radio blocktimer.
“We would like to condemn the killing of broadcaster and blocktimer Dindo Generoso who, we understand, was killed at around 7:25 this morning,” he said.
“The President has directed the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and to prosecute those behind the killing,” he added.
Generoso was an anchor for development programs of the local government. His program in Bai Radio was sponsored by the city government of Dumaguete as an extension of its public information office.’
READ MORE: Radio broadcaster shot dead in Dumaguete City
Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Chief Joel Egco assured justice for the slain broadcaster.
“This dastardly deed will not go unpunished. Whoever is behind this senseless murder will be brought to justice,” Egco said.
Based on a spot report obtained by the PTFoMS, Generoso was on his way to his 8 a.m. radio program when a pair of still unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen fired several shots at him along Hibbard Avenue around 7:25 a.m.
Generoso sustained eight gunshot wounds in the different parts of his body causing his instant death. The perpetrators were able to escape.
The PTFoMS database showed that around 22 blocktimers have been killed since 2003. Egco said blocktimers have been particularly vulnerable because of their involvement with politicians as a whole.
“The Task Force calls on our various media groups and stations, and all media practitioners to take a deeper look into the practice of blocktiming vis-à-vis its inherent dangers,” Egco said.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who co-chairs the PTFoMS, also condemned the killing and assured assistance to the family of the slain broadcaster.
“This senseless and unwarranted act will not go unpunished. We will take the necessary action to ensure justice for Mr. Generoso’s family,” he said.
“We are extending our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Generoso in this time of grief and we are with you in seeking justice. We will extend the necessary legal assistance and other support needed by the Generoso family,” he said.