Dumaguete radio man killed, wife spared by attackers

MOTORCYCLE GUNMEN shot dead a radio broadcaster, but spared the life of his wife in an attack in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental province in central Visayas, officials said Wednesday.

Rex Pepino (PTFoMS)

Officials said Rex Pepino, who worked at radio station dyMD, and his wife Colen, were heading home on a motorcycle when gunmen blocked their path late Tuesday and shot him several times at close range in Daro village.

The attackers escaped after the shooting, leaving behind the horrified woman and the bloodied body of the 48-year old radio man, according to Undersecretary Joel Egco, of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS).

Egco said two gunmen were involved in the attack and police launched an investigation into the murder. The motive of the killing is still unknown, but murder investigators recovered 5 shells of 9mm pistol from the scene.

PTFoMS Co-Chairman Secretary Martin Andanar said he was saddened by the latest attack on the radio man which occurred in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, citing the important role of journalists as frontliners in helping the government report the current health crisis to the public.

“We are deeply saddened by his untimely death and extend our sincerest condolences to his family. Believe me when I say that our president has absolutely zero-tolerance in this kind of barbarism. The government will extend all the necessary assistance and support to serve justice for the Pepino family. I have directed PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco to personally handle this matter and to give regular updates on the same,” Andanar said.

He also directed the provincial and city police to leave no stone unturned in the investigation and to run after the criminals and mastermind in the killing.

Egco also said they are looking at all angles to determine the motive for the killing. “This cowardly killing in the midst of a pandemic is unforgivable. We will get to the bottom of this and will stop at nothing in identifying and hunting down the people behind this despicable crime. It will be just a matter of time before these murderers will be brought to justice,” he said.

He reminded journalists to report to the PTFoMS any threat to their safety so it can be acted upon immediately. “You can count on us. We will provide you with necessary assistance and security if you feel that your lives are being threatened in any way,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)

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