PNP: 3 Mindanao media killings, no common patterns

MANILA, Philippines - The three recent incidents of media killings in Mindanao have no common patterns, the Philippine National Police said on Thursday.

"At this early stage of investigation, there are no peculiar indications of a link that can connect the three incidents," PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said, noting that the result of the initial probe by three Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) looking into separate cases in Bukidnon, Surigao and Davao.

With this development, Purisima is confident that the police investigators will be able to make a significant breakthrough in the investigation of these cases.

He assured national media organizations of focused attention by dedicated SITGs composed of seasoned crime investigators backed by forensic examiners, legal team, intelligence support and local police.

Task Force Usig is paying particular attention to the recent shooting of broadcaster Michael Diaz Milo, 34 of Prime Radio FM in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur last Dec.6; the shooting of broadcaster Jash Dignos, 48 ,in Valencia City, Bukidnon last Nov. 29; and the shooting of broadcaster Rogelio Butalid, 44 ,in Tagum City, Davao del Norte last December 11.

In the case of Dignos, police has filed a murder case against an identified suspect and several John Does. The suspect was identified through a computerized facial composite provided by National Bureau of Investigation based on descriptions provided by a key witness.

On the other hand, police initially ruled out the killing of Milo as work-related in the light of other possible motives such as his strained relationship with his estranged wife and in-law.

Milo's radio station is not engaged in hard-hitting commentaries but in promotion of alternative natural healing products. There were also reports that he figured in a fight with another person last month, authorities said.

Another SITG looking into the slay of Rogelio Butalid in Tagum City has already produced an artist’s sketch of the gunman based on descriptions provided by a witness.