The Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday tasked its Region VII office to look into the brazen killing of Renante “Rey” Cortes, a radio commentator who was shot Thursday morning in front of the DYRB Radyo Pilipino station after his radio program.
“The CHR denounces this latest violence perpetrated against the media. We call for a swift and impartial investigation into the incident to bring justice to the victim and accountability for perpetrators involved,” commission spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.
“Media killings and harassment cannot continue nor can it be part of the new normal in today’s society. As a democratic country, the state has the utmost responsibility to protect its citizens against harm and acts of vigilante justice,” she added.
De Guia said the CHR strongly supports the call of Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar’s for the creation of a special investigation task group by the local police for the immediate arrest of the suspects.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said the creation of the “SITG Cortes” will ensure a swift and thorough investigation into the broadcaster’s murder.
According to Col. Josefino Ligan, director of the Cebu City police office, various CCTV footage of the area where Cortes was killed are being carefully reviewed.
The PNP is also in the process of interviewing eyewitnesses as well as family and friends of the victim, Ligan said.