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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP creates task force to probe into journalist's death in Samar

PNP creates task force to probe into journalist's death in Samar

Published Dec 9, 2021 01:36 pm

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized a task force that will focus on the investigation into the killing of a Pampanga-based journalist who was repeatedly shot in Calbayog City in Samar.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) that was mobilized by the Police Regional Office 8 to probe the death of Jess Malabanan will be composed of investigating teams from the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Forensic Group, Regional Intelligence Unit, and the Calbayog City Police Station.

Malabanan, 58, died on the spot due to a headshot from a gun attack inside his store in Calbayog City.

Malabanan was a defense and security bet reporter in the 1990s and is currently correspondent for Manila Standard and tabloid Bandera. He was also a stringer for international news agency Reuters.

“The PNP is doing its best to immediately identify and arrest the person responsible for Malabanan’s death. I instructed the Regional Director of Police Regional Office 8 (to create a Special Investigation Task Group to expedite the resolution of this case,” said Carlos.

Based on initial incident reports, Malabanan was watching a television program inside his store when a gunman suddenly attacked and shot him.

Carlos said witnesses could hardly identify the gunman but they saw him fleeing the crime scene using a motorcycle together with a rider companion.

The SITG, according to Carlos, is now obtaining copies of CCTV footage that may help in the ongoing probe.

“We understand the call of the family and different groups to expedite the investigation of the case. These requests will not fall on deaf ears. Establishing the motive of the case can help us in going to the bottom of this. We just need the cooperation of the witnesses,” Carlos said.

Carlos said the SITG will coordinate with the family of the victim amid reports that the victim has been receiving threats recently because of his profession.

Related Tags

Media killing PNP dionardo Carlos PRO8 Calbayog City
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