P1-M reward offered for info on murderers of two film critics

Less than a week before the second death anniversary of murdered film critics Alexis Tioseco and Nika Bohinc, their family and friends have put up a P1-million reward for information that will help solve their mysterious murder in Quezon City in 2009. The family said the reward will be given to to anyone who has any information that will lead to the arrest of Criselda Gesman Dayag, who was a helper at the Tioseco household, and was believed to have connived with the three men who killed the couple. The killers reportedly escaped in Tioseco's car, taking with them money and other valuables. The Quezon City Regional Trial Court has issued a warrant of arrest for Dayag, who has managed to elude police and investigators. In 1999, or 10 years before the film critics' murder in 2009, Dayag was also charged for robbery in Pasay City. Dayag and a male companion allegedly robbed a Chinese businessman, whom they hog-tied. Information on Dayag's whereabouts may be given to the NBI Death Investigation Divison at:

0905-3758861. Murder in 2009 Filipino-Canadian Tioseco was 28 years old when he and his visiting Slovenian girlfriend Bohinc were killed by three men at the Tioseco residence in West Triangle, Quezon City. "We, the family and friends of Alexis Tioseco and Nika Bohinc, are appealing to the public for any information that would shed light on the wherabouts and identity of Alexis’s and Nika’s murderers," the couple's family and friends said in a statement issued on August 26.

Alexis Tioseco and Nika Bohinc

"Almost two years have passed since their deaths and the trail has gone cold, but the resolve to bring their murderers to justice remains strong," they said. "Alexis and Nika were barely thirty years old when they were killed so suddenly and senselessly. They were well-respected film critics and journalists, dedicated to their families and friends, and always served what was right and good," they added. Last year, during the first death anniversary of the couple, Tioseco's brother Chris said, "We understand that it's not going to be easy. But we won't settle for anything less than a thorough and exact investigation. How can we not strive for justice for my brother and Nika, who died with the love of this country in their hearts?" Tributes On September 1, a tribute entitled "Films for Alexis and Nika" will be held for the murdered film critics during the MOV International Film, Music, & Literature Festival. The tribute will feature "For Alexis & Nika" by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Paolo Villaluna, John Gianvito, Khavn De La Cruz, and Hanna Slak. One-minute shortfilms dedicated to Alexis and Nika will also be featured with a live score by The Brockas - Roxlee, Khavn De La Cruz, John Torres, Norman Wilwayco, Roberto Nicolas and Arvie Bartolome. The festival runs until September 6 at the UP Film Center Videotheque from 1-9 p.m. Admission is free. 'Wishful Thinking writathon' Meanwhile, the Wishful Thinking for Philippine Cinema Writathon runs from August 15 until September 1. The rules are simple: one must pick one wish from Tioseco's' wishlist. Contestants must write about the film in any length, style or approach. Entries must be sent to adrian.lessegers@gmail.com or to any of the host sites participating in the project. The best write-ups will then be published at the upcoming Indiocine Film Journal. For more information, please visit http://cinematoncinematon.blogspot.com/. - VVP, GMA News