Land dispute eyed in journalist’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — A land dispute is among the motives being eyed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the murder of Pampanga journalist Jesus Malabanan.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said information gathered by the Special Investigation Task Group from Malabanan’s family and friends indicated that a land dispute could be among the motives.

Carlos said Malabanan’s family and colleagues testified that they don’t know of any death threat against the victim or of enemies that he possibly made due to the nature of his work.

“This strengthens the possibility that the murder could have been more personal than work-related,” Carlos said in a press conference yesterday.

He said probers have identified a person of interest in the land dispute angle.

“Initially, the angle they were looking at was land dispute. That’s what they’re actually looking at... if that kind of work has something to do with the case,” Carlos said.

Malabanan’s wife told probers that her husband had helped farmers who lost their property to a wealthy man in Calbayog, Samar.

She said her husband did not receive any death threat, but suspicious-looking men recently went to their store.

Malabanan, a correspondent of the Manila Standard Today, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Calbayog on Dec. 8.

Malabanan’s remains brought to Pampanga

The remains of Malabanan were brought to Pampanga for viewing by his friends and relatives.

The wake is being held at the Trinidad Village Chapel on Santol street, Trinidad Village, Barangay Calibutbut, Bacolor.

Interment details will be announced later, according to Noel Tulabut, president of the Pampanga Press Club.

“Those who want to give abuloy may send through the GCash account of Mila Malabanan at 09154209901. You may also contact her at 09956443395,” Tulabut said.

Radio station dzBB yesterday reported that police have identified a person of interest in the murder case.

Tulabut said that PPC officials have no updates yet on the investigation, and  that they would meet with Undersecretary Joel Egco of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security.

He said they would ask Egco about  the progress on Malabanan’s murder case.

Carmela Reyes-Estrope, president of the Central Luzon Media Association, said the group condemns the killing of Malabanan.

“We keep our eyes and mind open on the result of the investigation by the police and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security,” Estrope said. – Ramon Efren Lazaro