Police to investigate 'links' of ex-NIA employee's killing to alleged corruption revelations

The police in Northern Mindanao are looking into the possible connection of the death of a former employee of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Cagayan de Oro City to his revelations of alleged anomalies in government projects.

According to a report by Cyril Chaves of GMA Regional TV, Niruh Kyle Antatico, former legal researcher at NIA, was shot dead while driving his car in Barangay Patag on Friday, October 10, 2025.

The suspects aboard a motorcycle escaped.

Antatico was rushed to the hospital but died later due to severe gunshot wounds, the report said.

The victim had received death threats as early as November 2024, the report added.

Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said investigators are looking into all possible motives for the killing, including personal and work-related factors.

In a statement posted on its social media page on October 11, NIA Northern Mindanao condoled with the family of the victim and said his concerns "are being handled seriously."

"We are aware of recent social media posts, raising concerns about certain NIA projects in the region. In response to these concerns, we want to reassure the public that these matters are being handled seriously," NIA Northern Mindanao said in a statement.

"The NIA top management has already initiated a comprehensive review and verification process in collaboration with relevant offices and appropriate authorities. This is not the first time such concerns have been addressed, and the Agency continues to prioritize transparency and accountability in all of its operations," it added.

It said it is leaving the investigation to the police, and appealed to the public to avoid speculation.

In a statement, Senator Francis Pangilinan condemned the killing and urged law enforcers to immediately hunt down the perpetrators.

"Mariin nating kinokondena ang pagkitil sa buhay ni Kyle, na ang tanging ginawa ay nagsabi ng katotohanan at ilantad ang diumano'y katiwalian na may kinalaman sa mga pondong nakalaan para sa ating mga magsasaka," he said.

"Nananawagan tayo sa mga law enforcers na dalian ang paghuli sa pumatay kay Kyle. Bawat araw na walang nananagot, lalong nagiging walanghiya ang mga salarin, lalong nawawalan ng tiwala sa pamahalaan ang taumbayan," Pangilinan added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News