Radioman shot dead in Bislig City; P1-M bounty offered
BUTUAN CITY – Surigao del Sur Rep. Alexander Pimentel on Monday condemned the killing of a broadcaster in Bislig City and announced a P1-million reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Erwin Labitad Segovia, 63, a broadcaster for Bislig Radio WOW FM, was fatally shot by unidentified attackers around 8:50 a.m. in Barangay Mangagoy.
Segovia, widely known as “Boy Pana” in the media community of Surigao del Sur and the Caraga region, was a resident of Purok 2, Bogac District in Mangagoy.
“I strongly condemn this heinous and cowardly attack against our fellow Surigaonon. Violence has no place in our community, and acts that serve to silence free discourse of ideas shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel said he and Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel are jointly offering the reward.
“As of the moment, I am coordinating with both the local and national law enforcement agencies to hunt down and punish those responsible for this dastardly act. We will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he added.
The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) reported that Bislig City Police Station personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene after receiving a call from concerned citizens.
“Initial investigation revealed that the victim had just finished hosting his radio program and was on his way home,” the SDSPPO said.
Police added Segovia was driving his motorcycle when two unidentified suspects on a black motorbike tailed and shot him.
The victim died from a bullet wound to the head, police said. The SDSPPO and local police in Bislig City are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the motive and apprehend the suspects.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) said it has activated its Special Investigation Task Group on New Cases.
Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., PTFOMS executive director, said the task force is coordinating with the Philippine National Police Media Vanguards and the Media Citizens Council in the Caraga regarding the incident.
“The safety of journalists remains a priority for the government, and justice for victims of media-related violence continues to be a national concern,” Torres said.
He urged the public and media community to remain vigilant and share any information that could aid the investigation. (PNA)