Palace vows justice for slain Sorsogon activist-broadcaster

Malacañang on Friday pledged to bring to justice the suspects in the killing of broadcaster and activist Teodoro Escanilla in Sorsogon last Wednesday.

 

Communications Sec. Herminio Coloma Jr. released a brief statement deploring Escanilla’s slay.

 

"Kinokondena ang pagpaslang kay Teodoro Escanilla. Tutugisin ang mga pinaghihinalaang salarin at papanagutin,” Coloma said.

 

Escanilla died after being shot by still unidentified gunmen inside his house in Barcelona town.

 

The broadcaster, who is also an Anakpawis party-list chairman, was heard talking with the gunmen before he was shot.

 

According to Bicol Today, Escanilla had allegedly been warned about being on a military "hit list" due to an exposé about human rights abuses in the province. The motive behind his killing has yet to be determined.

 

Escanilla is the second broadcaster to be killed this week.

On Wednesday journalist Gregory Ybanez died after he was shot in Tagum City, Davao del Norte Tuesday evening. 

Police have yet to establish the motive for Ybanez’s killing, but they believe the crime may have been premeditated.

 

According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Ybanez would be the 27th journalist killed under the Aquino administration, if proven that the killing was due to his media work. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News