Ambushed radioman demands NBI probe

DAVAO CITY — Former city councilor and broadcaster Juan "Jun" Pala Jr. demanded yesterday an independent inquiry, possibly by the National Bureau of Investigation, into the attempt on his life Tuesday morning.

"I want nothing else but an investigation that would not be handled by the local police. I want either the NBI or the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to handle it," Pala told The STAR at the San Pedro Hospital where he is recuperating from a gunshot wound in the buttocks.

"This is too much already. This is my second time," he added, referring to his first ambush on June 14, 2001.

Pala, who founded the anti-communist Alsa Masa movement in the late 1980s, had just come from his morning radio program at dxGO and was on his way home aboard a taxi along with three bodyguards, when he was waylaid.

At least five men on board a black Urvan staged the ambush along Mamay Road in Buhangin district here.

In 2001, he had also come from his radio program when he was fired upon by van-riding men along the Davao Medical School Drive here. He sustained five bullet wounds in the attack.

Pala said he does not trust the local police, hinting that certain policemen might be involved in Tuesday’s incident.

He added that the so-called Davao Death Squad, a group of local vigilantes, could also be behind the slay attempt.