Oriental Mindoro radio broadcaster shot dead

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 31) — A radio broadcaster in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro was shot dead early Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

The police report said Cresenciano Aldovino Bunduquin, 50, was killed by two assailants along C5 road at Brgy. Sta. Isabel in Calapan City at 4:20 a.m.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said the two gunmen were on a motorcycle when they shot Bunduquin while he was opening his store.

Bunduquin is a radio program host at DWXR 101.7 Kalahi FM MUX Online Radio.

The PNP said it has already formed a special investigation task group to look into the case, adding that the weapons used in the crime have already been identified.

"We have identified some of the instruments used pati yung mga firearms, and we hope that mapapadali rin yung pagkuha ng other suspect,” said PNP chief General Benjamin Acorda in an interview.

[Translation: We have identified some of the instruments used as well as the firearms. We hope that we can locate the other suspect.]

According to regional police, one of the suspects, identified as Narciso Ignacio Guntan, was killed after sustaining a head injury when he fell off their motorcycle. This was after the victim's son gave chase to the fleeing suspects and accidentally rammed the motorcycle.

The other suspect is still being pursued by authorities.

In a joint statement, the embassies of Canada and the Netherlands expressed grave concern over the killing and called on authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Media freedom is an integral element of democracy. To safeguard it, it is essential that journalists can execute their work without fearing for their lives and safety. Attacks on media workers must be urgently investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable,” said the two countries, which are co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition in the Philippines.

Japan also expressed alarm over the incident, and extended its sympathies to the journalist's bereaved family.

Meanwhile, police said they cannot conclude as of now if the murder may be related to Bunduquin's profession.

"While his work as a media representative involves discussion of critical issues, we cannot fully conclude as of this time that the motive is work-related, but we are exploring all possible angles as of this time," the PNP said in separate statement.

With reports from CNN Philippines' correspondent Crissy Dimatulac