Suspect in reporter’s slay ordered released

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines – A prosecutor ordered on Monday the release of the suspected killer of journalist Nerlie Ledesma after the evidence presented against him was found to be insufficient.

Suspect Inocencio Bendo was presented yesterday for inquest proceedings before the Balanga City Prosecutor’s Office.

After Judge Oscar Lasam evaluated the evidence and directly questioned the witnesses, the prosecutor found the evidence to be insufficient to hold the suspect, Bataan police director Senior Superintendent Rodel Sermonia said.

The city prosecutor directed the arresting officers and the complainant to submit additional evidence within 15 days from  Monday before the next preliminary investigation would be set, he added.

Another suspect, Juan Fulo, a tanod of Barangay Tuyo, is still in police custody, Sermonia said.

Fulo was implicated in the shooting of Pedlejandro Payumo, Ledesma’s predecessor as president of the Tagnai Homeowners Association.

Police arrested Fulo for trying to kill Payumo, who was able to flee.

Police are investigating the possible participation of Fulo in Ledesma’s killing since several people saw him with Bendo a few days before the killing last Thursday.

Ledesma was shot and killed while waiting for a tricycle to take her to work at the Bataan Provincial Capitol.

Ledesma buried

Ledesma was buried at Eternal Memorial Shrine yesterday.

About 2,000 residents of Barangay Tuyo, members of Tagnai Homeowners Association, broadcast and print mediamen, and relatives of Ledesma joined the funeral march.

Chanting “Justice for Ledesma,” teary-eyed marchers asked law-enforcement agencies to undertake exhaustive and relentless investigations to unmask the  brains of the killing of Ledesma.

Bill seeks to raise penalty for killers of journalists

Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV said he plans to file a bill seeking to increase the penalty for violent crime against journalists.

“Journalists will continue to suffer if we will not show resolve in putting an end to this impunity immediately,” he said.

He also urged the creation of a special court to try only crimes against journalists.

Aquino has condemned the killing of Ledesma and the massacre of 17 people, including 10 journalists, in Paris.

“We strongly condemn the rash of violence against media, both here and abroad,” he said. “These senseless killings have no place in a civilized and humane society and must be stopped. We must ensure that the perpetrator and the brains behind the killing of Ledesma will be punished for their crime.”– With Christina Mendez, Raffy Viray