Oriental Mindoro radio commentator shot dead

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Philippines — A radio commentator was killed in a gun attack in Barangay Sta. Isabel in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro early yesterday.

Cresenciano Bunduquin, 50, a resident of Barangay Canubing II and commentator of dwXR 101.7 Kalahi FM and MUX online radio, was in front of a sari-sari store when he was shot by unidentified men on a motorcycle along C5 road at around 4:20 a.m.

The gunman alighted from the motorcycle and shot the victim.

Bunduquin was declared dead on arrival in a hospital.

One of the suspects, identified as Narciso Guntan, died due to head injuries when he fell from the motorcycle that was hit by the car of Bunduquin’s son who gave chase.

The other suspect managed to escape.

Capt. Ann Michelle Selda, Oriental Mindoro public information officer, said a special investigation task group was created to probe the killing.

Oriental Mindoro police director Col. Samuel Delorino was tasked to lead the task group with members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 4B-Oriental Mindoro, Calapan police and Highway Patrol Group 4B-Oriental Mindoro as members.

Selda said there are two persons of interest in the killing.

“We take this incident very seriously and we will do everything in our power to ensure that those behind the death of Bunduquin will be brought to justice,” Brig. Gen. Joel Doria, Mimaropa police director, said.

He called on anyone who may have information regarding the incident to come forward to expedite the resolution of the crime.

He said probers are coordinating with the family and colleagues of the victim.

Philippine National Police public information officer Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the PNP is “maximizing its efforts to get more pieces of evidence and testimonies... to shed light on the incident and facilitate the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.”

“While his work as a media representative involves discussion of critical issues, we cannot fully conclude as of this time that the motive is work-related, but we are exploring all possible angles,” Maranan said.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda assured the public that the country remains safe for journalists.

Bunduquin is the second media worker killed under the Marcos administration after radio broadcaster Percy Lapid.

P50,000 reward up

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) is offering a reward of P50,000 for information leading to the arrest of the gunman.

The PTFoMS said it would provide assistance to the family of the victim.

It said the task force coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure prompt action to address the needs of the family of Bunduquin.

Sen. Grace Poe condemned the killing and urged authorities to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.– Emmanuel Tupas, Helen Flores, Cecille Suerte Felipe