Aguirre orders probe on killing of Catanduanes columnist
MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) — Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct parallel investigation on the killing of journalist Larry Que in Catanduanes last December 19.
Aguirre tasked the NBI to look all possible angles in Que’s case as well to identify and hunt down the culprit and determine the motive behind the murder.
Que, a columnist and publisher of a local paper in Catanduanes, was shot in the head by unidentified man wearing a bonnet and a raincoat last Dec.19 in Virac.
The gunman fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice, according to earlier reports.
Que’s case, is the first case of media killing under the administration of President Duterte.
The DOJ Secretary assured that justice will be served on the killing of Larry Que and other victims of media killings.
Prior to his death, Que blamed the negligence of local government leaders for the existence of the large shabu laboratory earlier seized in their province in a local newspaper. He said the discovery of the shabu lab brought shame to the province.
He also alleged in his column that the laboratory was set up by Chinese nationals to help the Chinese residents in the island province.
The incident has reportedly caused fear among local journalists in the province who also reported on the said shabu laboratory, which is said to be the largest in the country.
Aguirre said that the task force on media killings spearheaded by Communications Secretary Martin Andanar would not only focus on new cases, but will also handle unresolved ones from the previous administrations.
According to Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, at least 152 media personalities have already been killed in the country since 1986. (PNA)
