TF Usig takes over probe of radioman's slay

MANILA, Philippines – Police investigators have taken over the murder case of the radio commentator who was shot dead in front of his seven-year-old daughter in Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental last Monday.

A source said Task Force Usig director Chief Superintendent Raul Bacalzo is now coordinating with local police in investigating the murder of Ariceo Padrigao.

“Investigators are assessing if the case falls under the mandate of Task Force Usig,” the source said.

“His being a block-timer will be one of the considerations in the probe.”

Police said Task Force Usig investigates the killing of journalists.

Padrigao suffered two gunshot wounds in the left jaw, according to police.

Witnesses said one of Padrigao’s assailants was wearing a crash helmet.

Police recovered from the crime scene plate number LI 1995 and an empty shell for a 9mm pistol.

In Gingoog City, Teresita Padrigao, widow of the 52-year-old Padrigao told The STAR their seven-year-old daughter saw her father murdered.

“I think she is suffering trauma because she saw how the crash helmet-wearing gun man shot her father and saw him fall on the ground bloodied,” she said.

Teresita said they have no money to bring her daughter to a psychiatrist or to a social worker for therapy.

Her family does not know where to get money for her husband’s funeral services and other expenses, she added.

Her husband had no regular income, Teresita said.

Padrigao left behind three children: the eldest, Arcelli, 17, is a high school senior; Arecio Jr., 16, is in third year high school; and Ares, 7, is a Grade One pupil.

Gingoog City Vice Mayor Marlon Kho yesterday charged before the prosecutor’s office the widow of Padrigao with oral defamation for allegedly shouting in public that he (Kho) as the one who killed her husband, I did not believe it until I was the one who heard it,” Kho said.