Radioman survives slay try in Ozamiz City

A radio anchorman in Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental province survived an attack early Wednesday while on his way to work, police said.

Cosme Maestrado of DXOC radio was on board his apple green Toyota Corolla when shot by an unidentified man at the intersection of Barangay Manicol Highway corner Barangay Bacolod in Ozamis City at around 4:15 a.m., according to Region 10 regional director Chief Superintendent Jufel Adriatico, citing field reports.

Adriatico said the suspect fired from the left side of the victim, who was able to dodge the bullets by pulling back his car seat.

Adriatico said Maestrado fired back at the gunman using his own 45-caliber pistol, causing the suspect to run to a waiting accomplice on board a motorcycle and escape. He said the victim observed that four other men riding in tandem fled the scene after the incident.

Recovered from the crime scene were four bullet casings.

After the incident, Maestrado reportedly insisted on first delivering his morning program before giving his statement to the police.

Adriatico said they have put up checkpoints to track down the suspects and are in the process of gathering evidence and witnesses. He said that they have also assigned two police escorts to Maestrado.

The motive of the attack has yet to be established.

The Philippines has earned the distinction of being the most dangerous place for journalists following the massacre of 57 people — 32 of them journalists — in Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009. Prominent members of the powerful Ampatuan family in Mindanao stand accused for the carnage. - Kimberly Jane Tan/GMA News