NBI arrests suspect in Cris Bunduquin slay

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested the suspect in the killing of radio broadcaster Cresenciano "Cris" Bundoquin in Oriental Mindoro.

The NBI served the warrant against Isabelo Bautista Jr. for murder and attempted murder in connection with the shooting of broadcast journalist.

The warrant was issued by Oriental Mindoro Regional Trial Court Branch 39 Judge Josephine Caranzo.

Bautista reiterated his innocence.

"The appropriate Return of the Warrant of Arrest is already prepared and will be transmitted to the court in the soonest possible time," the Department of Justice said. 

The DOJ also said the Media Freedom Coalition Philippines requested investigative assistance from the NBI.

Bautista turned himself in to the NBI-National Capital Region in late June and denied any role in the killing of Bundoquin in Calapan City.

According to the Police Regional Office (PRO) MIMAROPA, one of the two suspects on board a motorcycle shot Bunduquin in front of a sari-sari store on May 31.

The 50-year-old victim was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Authorities said witnesses later identified Bautista as the gunman while his cohort, Narciso Guntan, died after they crashed while escaping from the crime scene. —with Sherylin Untalan/NB/VBL, GMA Integrated News