Suspect in Dipolog radioman’s slay falls

ZAMBOANGA CITY— Police arrested one of the suspects in the assassination of a tough-talking crusading radio broadcaster earlier this year.

Robert Woo, 32, is believed to be among the motorcycle-riding gunmen who shot and killed Klein Cantoneros as he left radio station dxAA in Dipolog City last May 4, said Senior Superintendent Julmuneir Jubail, head of Task Force Cantoneros.

Jubail said Woo was a former driver of a Dipolog political clan, which he refused to identify.

Cantoneros used his talk show to criticize local officials and prominent personalities for illegal gambling in the city.

He was still clutching his handgun when police found him on the road, indicating that he engaged the attackers, believed to be as many as three, in a brief shootout.

Police did not say what the motive for the killing was or whether Woo was the main suspect.

Jubail said the manhunt continues for the other suspects, said to formerly belong to the Kuratong Baleleng, a notorious robbery gang.

Six journalists have been killed in the Philippines this year. Thirteen were killed last year, making the country the world’s most dangerous place for reporters, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. — Roel Pareño, Cecille Suerte Felipe and AFP