Ambushed broadcaster dies in Bicol hospital

Nearly a month after he was ambushed, a Bicol-based radio commentator succumbed to his injuries before dawn Saturday. Miguel Belen, 48, died in a hospital at 3 a.m., Bombo Radyo quoted dwEB station manager Richard Arnedo as saying. Unidentified motorcycle-riding men shot Belen while he was on his way home to Francia village in Iriga City last July 9. Police are looking into politics and robbery as possible motives in the incident. Arnedo said they had hoped Belen would recover so he could identify his attackers. Incidentally, President Benigno Aquino III said during his first State of the Nation Address last Monday that Belen's attackers had already been identified. "Natukoy na rin po ang salarin sa mga kaso nina Francisco Baldomero, Jose Daguio at Miguel Belen, tatlo sa anim na insidente ng extralegal killings mula nang umupo tayo (We have identified the perpetrators who attacked activist councilor Francisco Baldomero, journalist Jose Daguio and Miguel Belen, three incidents of extra-legal killings since we assumed office)," he said.— LBG, GMANews.TV