During a recent press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. affirmed Malacañan Palace condemned the recent killing of DZGB-FM Dumaguete broadcaster Edmund Sestoso, who succumbed to three gunshot wounds after being shot by unidentified gunmen earlier this week.

“Kinokondena po natin lahat ng patayan na ‘yan (We condemn all the killings),” he said. “Iimbestigahan po natin ‘yan, lilitisin, at paparusahan ang mga pumapatay (We will investigate, indict, and punish the killers).”

Roque also pointed out, if members of the media have credible threats on their lives, the government can provide them with security.

“Kung kinakailangan po ng security, magbibigay po ng security ang ating pamahalaan doon sa mga may banta sa kanilang buhay (If security is necessary, the government can provide security for those who face theats to their life),” he explained.

Sestoso’s murder was earlier condemned by the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) and other journalist organizations, including the Negros Press Club and the Dumaguete City Press Club.

Last Monday, the Dumaguete City-based broadcaster was heading home when he was attacked by motorcycle-riding gunmen.

Dumaguete City Police Office (DCPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Jonathan Pineda, said they are still conducting an investigation into the incident and noted there are several potential angles to the murder./WDJ