Broadcaster shot dead in Tawi-tawi, two colleagues hurt

By Ronron
June 25, 2007

A radio broadcaster in the southern Philippine province of Tawi-tawi was killed while his two companions were hurt after they were shot by two suspects in Bongao town on Monday morning, police said.

Vicente Sumalpong, in his mid-30’s, was on his way to the government-run Radyo ng Bayan DXTC to report to work when the suspects, one of whom was identified as Nur Suang, opened fire at around 8am.

Sumalpong was riding then a motorcycle driven by a certain Ruelan Hope Borja, and with co-worker Maria Vema Antham. The three had just left Sumalpong’s residence at Sea Orchid Housing Project in Barangay Nalil of said town.

Tawi-tawi Police Director Sr. Supt. Emlanie Anni said Sumalpong sustained four fatal gunshot wounds to his body, causing his instantaneous death.

Anni said Suang, who was positively identified by Antham, used a caliber 45 in the attack. Suang and an unidentified companion left the crime site on foot heading towards the forested area of the mountain.

Antham and Borja were also hit by the gunfire but the injuries were only minor in nature, said Anni. The two were taken to a hospital in town for medical treatment.

Anni said Suang may have gotten back at Sumalpong because the latter was helping the family of a guest relation officer (GRO) pursue a case against Suang. Suang was said to be the main suspect in the murder of the GRO last June 20 in Barangay Sanga-sanga in Bongao.

Anni said police are now pursuing Suang, with the help of Marine soldiers from the Marine Battalion Landing Team II.

In April of this year, a volunteer radio reporter for Radyo ng Bayan was also found dead in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija.

Latest data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force USIG showed there are already 26 journalists killed in the country due to their work since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed power in 2001.

Independent groups, however, said there are more than the official count of the PNP./DMS