Suspect in killing of Oriental Mindoro broadcaster dead —police

One of the suspects in the fatal shooting of radio broadcaster Cresenciano Bunduquin in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro was killed on Wednesday, the Police Regional Office (PRO) MIMAROPA said.

In an update, PRO MIMAROPA said after the suspects fled from the crime scene, Bunduquin’s son chased them and “accidentally bumped” into the suspects’ motorcycle.

One of the suspects identified as Narciso Ignacio Guntan sustained head injuries that caused his swift death, according to the police.

Meanwhile, the other suspect fled to an unknown direction.

A person of interest in the killing of Bunduquin has already been identified, said Police Colonel Samuel Delorino, the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Police Office chief and Special Investigation Task Group commander.

“Follow-up operations and leads from the pieces of evidence gathered at the crime scene, members of the SITG have already identified a person of interest,” Delorino said.

“We will update the public with details as to the development of the investigation. We guarantee to bring swift justice to the victim and his family,” he added.

Earlier at 4:20 a.m., one of the two suspects on board a motorcycle shot Bunduquin several times in front of his sari-sari store, according to the police.

Bunduquin was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

PNP public information office chief Police Brigadier Redrico Maranan said a Special Investigation Task Group was created to conduct an in-depth probe on the incident.

Maranan said PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. has directed Police Regional Office 4B and Calapan City Police Station to hasten the investigation and the identification of the perpetrators.

Maranan, who is also a chief focal person for the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), said the PNP is contacting Bunduquin's family and work colleagues to gather more relevant information.

“While his work as a media representative involves discussion of critical issues, we cannot fully conclude as of this time that the motive is work-related, but we are exploring all possible angles as of this time,” he said.

“We assure our media colleagues that the PNP prioritizes the security of those working in the media industry. The PNP Media Vanguards will directly oversee the course of investigation of this incident,” Maranan added.

According to PRO MIMAROPA, Bunduquin was a radio commentator working for DWXR 101.7 Kalahi FM MUX Online Radio.—LDF, GMA Integrated News