RADIO BROADCASTER SHOT DEAD IN SURIGAO DEL SUR, REWARD OFFERED

A RADIOMAN whose program tackled social issues, local governance and community concerns on Monday was shot dead in Surigao del Sur.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) said victim Erwin Labitad Segovia, 63, a broadcaster for Bislig’s Radio WOW FM and host of the radio program “Diritsahan,” was gunned down at John Bosco St.,  Bgy. Mangagoy, Bislig City at 8:50 a.m. on Monday.

Initial investigation showed the radioman had just finished hosting his radio program and was on his way home when slain.

Police said Segovia was driving his motorcycle when two unidentified suspects on a black motorbike tailed and shot him.

The victim died  on the spot from a gunshot wound in the head.

The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office and the local police in Bislig City are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the motive and apprehend the suspects.

Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Alexander Pimentel condemned the killing of Segovia and announced a P1 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

“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 a P1 million reward for the arrest of the assassins.

Meanwhile, the PTFOMS said it has activated its Special Investigation Task Group on New Cases.

According to PTFOMS executive director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., the task force is coordinating with the Philippine National Police Media Vanguards and the Media Citizens Council in the Caraga Region regarding the incident.

He said 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 urged the public and media community to remain vigilant and share any information that could help in the ongoing investigation.