Pubdate: Tue, 05 Jul 2005
Source: People's Journal (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 People's Journal
Contact: http://www.journal.com.ph/contactus.asp
Website: http://www.journal.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3381
Author: AFP and Alfred Dalizon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Summary+Execution
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

ASSASSINS CLAIM 6TH JOURNALIST

COTABATO - A radio broadcaster who accused officials of being close to
drug dealers was shot dead Sunday while traveling on a motorbike with
a companion.

Rolando Morales of DXMD station was ambushed near Polomolok town in
South Cotabato, Chief Supt. Danilo Mangila said yesterday.

Morales was the sixth journalist killed this year. No suspect was
arrested and the motive of the attack was not immediately known.

Wounded was his unidentified woman companion, the regional police
commander told reporters.

Morales was a vocal critic of illegal drug dealers in the area,
Mangila said. He had often accused local government officials of
either protecting drug dealers or being involved in the trade
themselves, he said.

Philipine National Police chief Director General Artiro C. Lomibao
flew to the procince yesterday to oversee the probe of Morales' slay.

"We would like to assure the public that there will be no let-up in
the manhunt operation against Morales' killers, " Lomibao said.
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