Legazpi City—Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde on Saturday directed police officials in Bicol to conduct relentless manhunt and investigation on the identities of criminals directly behind the murder of Albay radioman Joey Llana outside of his residence early morning Friday.
Albayalde, who had condoled with the bereaved family, ordered Chief Sup. Arnel Escobal, regional director of Region 5, to resolve the murder of Llana posthaste and make it “a top priority.”
“Through relentless investigative work and follow up police actions, let us put these criminals and their patrons behind bars as soon as possible,” Albayalde told Escobal.
Like some chasing thunderbolt, authorities in Bicol formed an inter-agency task force that will look into the death of Llana.
Escobal said he immediately formed a special investigation group called “Task Group Llana” that would conduct an in-depth investigation into the possible motive behind the media man’s death, as well as the identity of the killers and the mastermind.
Escobal directed Albay Police Director Senior Supt. Milo Pagtalunan and Supt. Benito Dipad to lead the task group.
Escobal said investigators were still pursuing leads and gathering testimonies from possible witnesses, who might be able to shed light on the killing.
Probers said at least 12 empty shells from .45 and 9-mm handguns were recovered at the crime scene.
Philippine National Police Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde had vowed to prioritize solving the case of the slain radio broadcaster.
He directed the Bicol Police to coordinate closely with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security to help solve the case quickly.
“Through relentless investigative work and follow up police actions, let us put these criminals and their patrons behind bars as soon as possible,” Albayalde said.
“Let there be no stone unturned as we seek justice for the victim and his family.”
He also expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Llana as he strongly condemned the slaying of the media man.
PTFoMS executive director Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco formed “Task Force Llana” less than six hours after the reported killing.
Egco said the task force would extensively look into the killing of the journalist, adding that PTFoMS directly participates in issues involving the security and safety of media practitioners like Llana.
Malacañang on Friday strongly condemned the killing, with Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque calling Llana’s slay as another infringement on press freedom.
The killing of Llana on Friday brings to five the media personalities killed in Albay over the past two decades, including John Villanueva, radio anchor of dzGB; Claire Domingo, a military radio anchor; Jose Loreno of dzRC; and Ruel Endrinal of dwRL.
Llana was a blocktimer at dwZR-AM, holding programs “Metro Banat” at 5:30—7 a.m. and “Asenso Daraga”—a blocktime program of LGU Daraga every Saturday at 9 to 10 am.
Reports said Llana was receiving death threats several weeks before he was gunned down.
Local investigators are looking to all motives, including work-related and personal matters which might have led to the shooting. With PNA