Journalist shot dead by soldiers in Masbate

A journalist based in Masbate was shot dead by soldiers on Saturday in Barangay Matanglad in Milagros, police said.

According to a spot report, Ronnie Villamor, 50, was killed in an encounter with soldiers at around 1:30 p.m.

Police said Scout Platoon led by Second Lieutenant Maydim Jomadil received information from an informant that at least five men were sighted at Barangay Matanglad with assorted caliber of firearms.

Police said the troop was conducting combat operations when they encountered the armed men who then “scampered to different directions.”

One of the armed men, Villamor, then rode a motorcycle to escape, police said.

Police said the troops ordered him to stop but Villamor pulled his firearm from his waist and pointed towards them. The troops then fired upon the suspect which resulted in his death.

Villamor was brought straight to the St. Lawrence Funeral Homes for post-mortem examination.

Police said they recovered a caliber 45 pistol, a magazine loaded with six ammunition, an extra extended magazine loaded with seven ammunition, a holster, a sling brown bag, an identification card, a black watch and a mobile phone.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines said Villamor was trying to cover a land dispute in the barangay but was blocked by soldiers.

“A local journalist told NUJP that parties in land disputes often request media coverage for activities such as surveys, apparently believing journalists' presence will prevent violence,” NUJP said in a statement.

The NUJP said Villamor's colleagues said the victim and his companions even "coordinated with the local police and informed them of their purpose in going to Matanglad."

They added that the survey did not push through as "they were prevented by a group of soldiers from doing so." Instead, Villamor and his companions decided to contact the local police for assistance.

"It was at that moment that several gunfires (sic) were heard" and Villamor was killed, they said.

Villamor is the fourth journalist murdered in Masbate after Joaquin Briones in March 2017, Antonio Castillo in June 2009, and Nelson Nedura in December 2003.

He was the 19th slain journalist since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office and the 191st since 1986, the NUJP said.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News