THE Presidential Communications Office (PCO) yesterday called for a swift, impartial and thorough investigation of the “barbaric” killing of a broadcast journalist in Zamboanga City last Tuesday.
In a statement, the PCO condemned the attack on Ma. Vilma Rodriguez, a program anchor for the Barangay Action Center of 105.9 EMedia and a barangay official shot thrice in front of her family in Comet St., Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City.
“We condemn this barbaric attack on Ma. Vilma Rodriguez— a journalist, barangay official, mother to four children, and model Filipino. These kinds of vile and atrocious acts have no place in our nation, which values freedom, democracy, and the rule of law above all,” the statement said.
The Zamboanga Peninsula police regional office said Rodriguez, 56, was seated on a bamboo chair outside her residence when the suspect, a 33-year-old male who is a relative and a neighbor of the victim, shot her three times on the right side of her body.
Rodriguez was rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.
Police said the victim was with her mother, sister and nephew at that time.
Responding policemen recovered at the scene a slug believed to be from a cal. 38 handgun.
Follow-up operations led to the arrest of the suspect, who was not identified.
The PCO also joined the bereaved family in grieving their loss and assured them of the government’s support in this difficult time.
“We assure them, as well, of our commitment to pursuing truth and justice for Ms. Rodriguez,” it added.
“We call upon the authorities to conduct a swift and impartial probe into this atrocious incident. No stone should be left unturned in the pursuit of those culpable,” the PCO added.
Rodriquez, a single mother, hosts the Barangay Action Center program on 105.9 EMedia radio in Zamboanga City.
She previously worked as a volunteer reporter for another radio station in Zamboanga City before joining the 105.9 EMedia radio.
Local police said the gunman was apprehended before dawn yesterday but withheld his identity and the motive for the killing pending an ongoing probe.
In a statement, the Zamboanga Peninsula police extended its “heartfelt condolences” to the family of the victim.
“We assure the public that the investigation remains ongoing, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure justice is served,” it said. – With Victor Reyes
