Iloilo-based reporter killed in Negros

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A block-time radio reporter based in Iloilo was gunned down along the highway of E.B. Magalona town, in northern Negros Occidental late Monday afternoon.

Police said that Neil Aranga Jimena, 42, a native of Iloilo City but was living at Hacienda Teresa in Brgy. Alicante of E.B. Magalona town, was supposed to start a blocktime program with Radio Mindanao Network in Iloilo City last (Tuesday) night.

Witnesses said Jimena was riding his motorcycle along Hacienda San Jose in Brgy. Damgo, E.B. Magalona, when shot by two men chasing him on another motorcycle.

Town police officer-in-charge SPO4 Leonardo Cobing said Jimena was declared dead on arrival at the nearby Teresita Jalandoni Provincial Hospital. He succumbed to five gunshot wounds from a .45 caliber pistol.

Cobing said the police, as of press time yesterday, were still investigating the motive of the killing of Jimena.

Residents in the area said they heard gunshots being fired and saw Jimena's motorcycle turn around. The chase went on for about five minutes on a 2-kilometer stretch till Jimena's motorbike fell on its side at Brgy. 3 Poblacion, E.B. Magalona, they said.

E. B. Magalona Mayor David Albert Lacson urged the police to speed up its investigation but added that it was "an isolated incident."

Sources who asked not to be identified, however, claimed the incident may allegedly be drug-related and had nothing to do with his profession as a media man.

Authorities yesterday refused to divulge developments in their investigation and would not reveal possible angles they are exploring.

Jimena used to be a radio blocktimer as well with DyRP in Iloilo City, which closed down years ago and DyAG in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, and news contributor for Dyaryo Iloilo.

His friend, Larry Trinidad, a radio blocktimer for the local DyRL in Bacolod claimed Jimena was an asset for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) but was terminated sometime in 2008.

Police said this was not the first shooting attack against Jimena whom they said was also shot at near Malago Bridge in Victorias City on September 2009. - THE FREEMAN