Project dispute eyed in Kalinga journalist's killing
Police are eyeing a dispute over a road project contract as a possible motive in the killing of a retired journalist in Tabuk City, Kalinga over the weekend. Victim Jose Daguio, 75, was reportedly involved in a project of the Tuga waterworks system, said Chief Supt Villamor Bumanglag, Cordillera regional police director. The victim reportedly had a misunderstanding with a certain barangay kagawad Elorde Marcelino who allegedly realigned Daguio's project into deep well project, according to information gathered by the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG). The misunderstanding prompted local public works and highway authorities to put the project on hold. Bumanglag said investigators have invited Marcelino to undergo a paraffin test. Probers are also looking into land dispute and reprisal by criminal elements as possible leads in the case. Daguio was shot at close range inside his house in Barangay Tuga on Saturday night, making him the first journalist killed under the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Daguio was a former broadcaster of DZRK Radyo ng Bayan who retired in 1986. He also worked part-time with DZRH FM in 2005 and became a contributor in a local publication in 2008. At the time of his death, Daguio was not connected with any publication or media outfit, Bumanglag said. The National Press Club said police should not immediately discount the possibility that the killing was not work-related by saying that Daguio was no longer an active journalist. "Such an irresponsible remark could endanger the lives of other 'inactive' journalists," Joel Sy Egco, chairman of the NPC Press Freedom Committee, said in a press statement. The media organization also urged President Aquino to form a government-media-private sector "super body" to end media killings and appoint a presidential adviser on the Preservation of Press Freedom and Journalist Protection. The NPC said President Aquino should give the super body enough funds to operate, not only in terms of law enforcement but also in terms of prosecution. It said the task force created by the Arroyo administration to solve media killings could not go far due to lack of funds and other resources such as proficient manpower. "The killing of Daguio offers a grim reminder for all that regardless of who is in command, the killings will not stop unless someone does something seriously to end the hostilities. The Arroyo administration failed miserably in this area," the NPC said. The media group said it expects more from Mr. Aquino who can send authorities running to promptly accomplish missions such as arresting journalist killers and their masterminds. "Such a strong president can ensure swift justice for all victims and their families. All he has to do is issue a specific order," the group said. - Amita O. Legaspi/RJAB Jr/KBK, GMANews.TV