The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has condemned the killing of a radio broadcaster in Malidegao town, Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM).
The 56-year-old victim, Nestor Micator, was shot dead near the barangay hall of Fort Pikit evening on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Based on investigation, the victim and his wife were heading home on board a motorcycle after buying food for dinner at the Poblacion area in Pikit, Cotabato, around 50 meters away from their house.
Upon reaching the place of incident, two motorcycle-riding gunmen shot Micator in the head. Micator did not reach the hospital alive. His wife was unharmed.
“PTFOMS strongly condemns this act of violence and extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and listeners of Mr. Micator,” PTFoMS said.
PTFoMS urged investigators to expedite the investigation and ensure that perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
Investigators are looking at two angles regarding the motive. One is his work in the media, and the other is is his role as a member of the barangay peace council.
“We also have information din, but this is still for validation, na itong personnel ay nagtatrabaho daw or may kaugnayan sa barangay nila. Titingnan natin kung ito bang motive ng pagpatay sa kanya ay politically related or personal grudge at hindi ito kaugnay sa kanyang trabaho as a media personality,” Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) Spokesperson, Capt. Steffi Salanguit, said.
“The killing of any media practitioner is a matter of serious concern. Acts of violence against journalists undermine not only press freedom, but also the public’s right to information and the democratic space where issues affecting communities are discussed openly,” PTFoMS added.
“We reiterate our commitment to uphold the safety and security of media workers across the country and to strengthen mechanisms that protect journalists from threats, harassment, and violence,” it added.
