AUTHORITIES ARE close to
solving the murder of a veteran radio broadcaster in Dumaguete City in Negros
Oriental province after several breakthroughs in the investigation may lead to
the identities of the killers and their mastermind.
 |
| Rex Pepino (PTFoMS) |
Undersecretary Joel Egco,
Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security
(PTFoMS), said they have gathered pieces of evidence and are pursuing several
persons of interest (POIs) to shed light in the killing of Rex Pepino.
Pepino, who
worked at radio station dyMD, and his wife Colen, were heading home on a
motorcycle when 2 gunmen, also on a motorcycle blocked, their path in Daro
village on the evening of May 5 and shot him several times at close range. The
woman’s life was spared by the killer who escaped after the attack.
Egco said the Dumaguete City Police Office, and the Negros Oriental
Provincial Police Office, including the National Bureau of Investigation are on
the forefront in resolving Pepino’s murder. “We will follow where the evidence leads us. Charge those who
will hamper your investigation,” he told Dumaguete City police chief, Lt. Col.
Wilfredo Alarcon Jr, and NBI Agent-in-Charge, Atty. Jose Ermie Monsato.
Both Alarcon and Monsato reported major breakthroughs in their investigation, including the
identification of the car allegedly used in tailing Pepino until after he was
killed and some POIs, according to Egco.
But Egco said one of the POIs had been killed by motorcycle gunmen
on May 12 even before the police could serve a warrant to search his house. “It's
theatrical. Just like in the movies where one of the suspects is killed to tie
some loose ends. Hindi naman tayo ipinanganak kahapon,” he said.
The PTFoMS, chaired by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, also held
a video conference to discuss the progress of the investigation and the meeting
was attended by Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete and PTFoMS Co-Chairman and
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar.
Egco said upon the recommendation of Perete, a task force led by a
local member of the National Prosecution Service will be formed. Perete also gave
instructions to the PTFoMS to secure Pepino’s wife and place her under the government’s
Witness Protection Program.
Andanar assured Pepino’s family that the government will not rest
until the brains behind the broadcaster’s murder have been identified and
brought to justice.
Provincial police chief, Col. Julian Entoma reported that they have identified
the car used in surveilling Pepino and also as a getaway vehicle of the killers.
Egco said CCTV footage obtained by investigators showed a suspicious
grey car parked near Pepino’s radio station on the night of the murder and was
later seen tailing the broadcaster and his wife after they left dyMD.
“Do what you have to do. I know the intense pressure you are
experiencing there. Do not be cowed by anyone. All these findings will be
reported to the President, the Executive Secretary; Secretary of Justice and
Secretary Andanar. Those who will come in the way and obstruct (the
investigation) will be dealt with accordingly,” Egco told authorities handling
the murder case.
He said the car’s registration was later traced to the Provincial
Assessor’s Office and police investigators, armed with a search warrant issued
by a court searched the vehicle and recovered crucial evidence, including fingerprints.
But authorities are still searching for an orange sedan that was allegedly used
by the suspects.
Egco stressed that more breakthroughs in the case are forthcoming,
including the identified of the suspects. “It is becoming increasingly clear
that the motive behind the killing of Rex Pepino was to silence him. We are on
the verge of solving this case. PTFoMS will not leave any stone unturned until
the perpetrators and the mastermind behind this gruesome act are put behind
bars,” Egco 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)
Like Us on Facebook: The Mindanao Examiner
Like Us on Facebook: The Zamboanga Post
Follow Us on Twitter: Mindanao Examine
Mirror Site: Mindanao Examiner Blog
Digital Archives: Mindanao Examiner Digital
Media Rates: Advertising Rates
No comments:
Post a Comment