Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. on Monday ordered a thorough investigation into the killing of a radio announcer in Negros Occidental and vowed stronger measures to protect media workers.
“The PNP condemns in the strongest terms the killing of a broadcast journalist in Negros Occidental. We assure the public and the media community that we will look closely into this case to arrest and charge all those involved in this senseless killing,” Nartatez said.
Julito “Jaz” Diamante Calo, 49, a radio announcer and host of “Waswasanay sa Quinto Distrito” on 88.3 DNN News FM, was shot dead on March 20 in Sitio Lapak Kawayanan, Barangay Robles, La Castellana.
Police said Calo, who also worked as a job order employee of the local government, was standing outside his home when a white SUV approached and a gunman shot him in the head, killing him instantly.
Nartatez said tracker teams have been deployed to pursue the suspects.
“The investigation is ongoing and progressing. We are validating all leads to ensure a solid case will be filed,” he said, adding that police are coordinating with local authorities.
He said the PNP will also work with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to assess threats against journalists in the area.
“We do not ignore any threat to our journalists. We treat every report with the utmost urgency through our Media Security Vanguards,” he said.
The PNP has directed the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region and the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office to identify and arrest those responsible.
“To those who think they can silence the press, violence has no place in our society. The full might of the law will be brought against you. We will find you, and you will be held accountable,” Nartatez said.
He also urged the public and the media to report threats, assuring that police resources will be mobilized to protect journalists.
