​Malacañang has condemned the killing of a Zamboanga City-based broadcast journalist, Ma. Vilma Rodriguez, describing the attack against her as "barbaric."
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 23, that such a "vile and atrocious" act has no place in the Philippines, which values freedom, democracy and the rule of law above all.
PCO described Rodriguez, a 56-year-old broadcaster of EMedia Productions Network, Inc., as a journalist, a barangay official, a mother to four children, and a model Filipino.
"We call upon the authorities to conduct a swift and impartial probe into this atrocious incident," PCO said.
Malacañang said that "no stone should be left unturned in the pursuit of those culpable."
"We join the bereaved in grieving this loss, and direct the concerned government agencies to provide the fullest support in this difficult time," it said.
"We assure them, as well, of our commitment to pursuing truth and justice for Ms. Rodriguez," it added.
Rodriguez was shot dead in front of her family on Tuesday night, Oct. 22, at Comet Street in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City.
Police said that they eventually arrested the perpetrator behind her killing several hours following the incident.