Media security task force condemns killing of radio commentator

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) denounced the killing of Virgilio Maganes, a radio announcer who was shot dead on Tuesday morning in Villasis, Pangasinan.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PTFoMS vowed to “hunt down and punish” those responsible for the crime.

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Virgilio Maganes and extend our sincerest condolences to his family. This administration condemns any type of killing, especially those in the media. I have directed PTFoMS executive director Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco to swiftly act on this and personally handle this matter", Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary and PTFoMS co-chair Martin Andanar said.

Initial investigation showed that Maganes, who was a commentator for radio station dwPR, was about to enter his residential compound at 6:45 a.m. when two unidentified suspects on board a motorcycle fired six shots at him.

The gunmen were able to escape, police said.

Andanar said he already directed Philippine National Police (PNP) to go after the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, Egco said they are looking at all angles to determine the motive for the killing.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) also condemned the killing.

“As the oldest, broadest, and only-existing alliance of tertiary student publications in the Asia-Pacific region, CEGP vehemently condemns the murder of Virgilio Maganes, a fellow journalist, and a friend of truth,” it said in a statement.

“Moreover, the Guild holds the Duterte administration accountable for its fascist measures which have caused suffering and lamentation to the Filipino people. Now, more than ever, we demand justice for all the victims of state-sponsored killings,” it added.

According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Maganes had survived an attempt on his life on November 8, 2016 by playing dead when motorcycle-riding suspects shot him as he rode a tricycle.

The NUJP also said Maganes was the 18th journalist killed under the Duterte Administration. — DVM, GMA News