Police to create task force to solve ambush of RMN anchor

MANILA, Philippines - The national police is creating a special task force to solve the shooting of Mindanao broadcaster Dennis Cuesta who is now in critical condition. Task Force “Cuesta” will be composed of personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division (RIDMD), Regional Intelligence Division (RID) and Public Information Office of the Philippine National Police. Police Chief Supt. Felizardo M. Serapio Jr of PNP Central Mindanao ordered the creation of the task force “to ensure a coordinated effort in the investigation and prioritize the immediate resolution of the case.” Cuesta, 35, a commentator of DxMD-Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) was shot 4:30 p.m. Monday along the national highway fronting the Novitiate Square in General Santos City. Police Insp. Lauro Espida, chief of police station 03 in the area, reported that the victim was shot five times at close range by two unidentified suspects riding in tandem on a motorcycle. Cuesta was rushed to St. Elizabeth Hospital for medical treatment and is currently being secured by General Santos City police. Initial investigation showed the suspects used a caliber .45 pistol in the shooting. Serapio said the shooting could be work-related since Cuesta has been known as a “hard-hitting” radio commentator and a witness in an illegal detention case. He said that though they are looking at this angle as motive, they are yet to gather enough evidence to prove it. "We cannot use these circumstances as evidence. We need to gather hard evidences and witnesses," Serapio said. PNP Regional Crime Laboratory Office 12 conducted crime scene investigation and conducted inventory of the belongings. Serapio is urging anyone who has information in the shooting to contact Task Force “Cuesta” at (083) 301-5083 or the PNP Hotline 117/166. - GMANews.TV