ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 9, 2009) – Two suspects in the failed killing of a broadcaster in the southern Philippines have surrendered to the police on Monday, reports said.
Reports said the two men - Felizer Caitor and Bernardo Aguilar – surrendered in Cagayan de Oro City where the radioman Nilo Labares was shot and wounded on Mach 5. RMN said Labares has been declared out of danger.
Labares, who worked for the Radio Mindanao Network, was shot in the body while heading home from work. Police said the attack was connected to his work.
Labares is known to strongly criticize illegal gambling activities in Cagayan de Oro.
Cagayan de Oro Vice Mayor Vicente Emano had ordered the police to take steps to deter further possible attacks on local journalists and given a shoot-to-kill order against Labares’ assailants.
President Gloria Arroyo's spokesman, Cerge Remonde, condemned the shooting and ordered the police to leave no stone unturned to ensure justice is done.
Last month, unidentified gunmen also killed broadcaster Ernie Rollin, of dxSY in Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental province.
Political killings have long been a concern in the Philippines, where about 60 journalists have been slain since 2001, including six last year, making the country one of the world's most dangerous places for reporters.
Government prosecutors earlier this year filed murder charges against a police officer in the August 2008 killing of Dennis Cuesta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network in General Santos City. (Mindanao Examiner)
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