Broadcaster stabbed to death in Negros Oriental

A radio broadcaster was killed after he was stabbed by a farmer in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on Sunday evening, Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) said on Monday.

The victim was identified as Renato Blanco, an anchorman of 102.1 DYRY FM of Mabinay Radio Station and a resident of Talavera Street in Barangay 2, Bais City, Negros Oriental.

Initial investigation revealed that Blanco visited his friend in Barangay Himucdungon when the latter’s brother arrived and stabbed him using a 10-inch knife in the "right clavicle."

The victim was then rushed to Mabinay Community Hospital for medical treatment but was declared dead on arrival.

The suspect reportedly surrendered to the barangay captain after the incident.  He also turned over the 10-inch knife he used in the crime.

According to the investigators, the suspect was believed to hold a personal grudge against Blanco for allegedly criticizing his family during his radio program.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) condemned the killing of Blanco.

In a statement, the task force extended its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim while “assuring that justice will be served against the perpetrator.”

PTFoMS also hailed the PNP for its swift action and for immediately arresting the suspect.

“While it is still too early to determine the exact motive behind the incident, PTFoMS will presume the killing to be ‘work related’ as a matter of policy so that the full might of the Presidential task force will be brought to bear against the suspect,” PTFoMs said. —Mel Matthew Doctor/NB, GMA News