MPD, NBI release sketches of reporter’s killer

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation and the Manila Police District (MPD) released yesterday different sketches of the man who shot dead reporter Alex Balcoba in Quiapo, Manila on May 27.

The NBI’s version described the man who shot Balcoba as a left-handed man between 40 and 45 years old, up to 5’4” tall and few pimple scars on his cheeks. He wore a cap, slippers, short pants and a t-shirt.

The MPD’s sketch showed the gunman as having more pimple scars on his face. Balcoba’s killer was described as a man between 40 and 45 years old, up to 5’2” tall, brown-skinned, weighing up to 60 kilos and wearing a cap.

The NBI also released a sketch of the gunman’s accomplice, a chubby-faced male aged up to 45 years old, 5’6” tall, weighing around 140 pounds and brown-skinned. He was wearing a cap, denim shorts and a t-shirt.

Witnesses said the gunman shot Balcoba in front of a watch repair shop owned by his family along Quezon Boulevard at around 7 p.m. then walked toward his companion, who was waiting on a motorcycle in front of a nearby hotel. They fled toward Quiapo church, investigators said.

The MPD has offered P100,000 as a reward for any information that would lead to the arrest of Balcoba’s killer.

Photos show the National Bureau of Investigation’s sketch of the gunman (left) and his companion. EDD GUMBAN

Duterte to form probe team

Meanwhile, president-elect Rodrigo Duterte will create a team that will probe media killings following Balcoba’s murder, spokesman Peter Laviña said. 

He also said Duterte would also appoint a special prosecutor who will focus on prosecuting people involved in media killings.

Duterte assured journalists that they would enjoy a safer environment as soon as he occupies Malacañang. Under his administration, “press freedom will be respected and journalists will be free to do their jobs without obstacles or intimidation,” Lavina said. – With Robertzon Ramirez