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Advocates Philippines
Alleged Gunman In Killing Of Oriental Mindoro Broadcaster Surrenders
Photo credit: Presidential Task Force on Media Security
In a significant breakthrough for the investigation into the killing of radio blocktimer Cresenciano 'Cris' Bundoquin in Mindoro Oriental, Philippines, the alleged gunman, Isabelo Lopez Bautista, voluntarily turned himself in before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila on June 27, 2023.
Bautista arrived at the NBI National Capital Region office in Manila accompanied by his wife, brother, and other close relatives. He denied being the gunman who shot Bundoquin multiple times at close range on May 31, 2023, in front of his family's rented store in Calapan City, Barangay Sta. Isabel. Bautista expressed his willingness to fully cooperate with the NBI to uncover the truth behind the incident.
The motive for Bundoquin's killing is believed to be related to his criticism of illegal gambling operations disguised as local carnivals (peryahan) and local politics in the province. Bautista revealed that he and his alleged accomplice were employees of a carnival financier/operator in Mindoro.
Although there is currently no formal case or warrant of arrest against Bautista, the voluntary nature of his appearance before the NBI is seen as a positive step towards uncovering the truth and achieving justice for Bundoquin.
Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Paul M. Gutierrez emphasized that Bautista's statements would aid investigators in establishing the facts surrounding the incident.
Gutierrez also met with Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito 'Bonz' Dolor in Manila on June 27. Governor Dolor assured the PTFoMS of his full cooperation in resolving the case, highlighting his commitment to maintaining peace and order in the province.
The NBI, under the direction of Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, initiated a parallel investigation into the Bundoquin case to expedite its resolution. Additionally, the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Bundoquin, formed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) immediately after the incident, has been actively investigating the matter.
The recent voluntary surrender of Isabelo Lopez Bautista follows the handing down of additional sentences on June 23, 2023, against three inmates involved in the killing of broadcaster Percival 'Percy Lapid' Mabasa. These developments signify the commitment of the Philippine justice system and the government's determination to ensure the safety and protection of members of the press.
With the cooperation of Bautista and the support of local authorities, the resolution of the Bundoquin case is expected to progress swiftly, bringing justice to the victim and fostering an improved media climate in the Philippines.
Bautista arrived at the NBI National Capital Region office in Manila accompanied by his wife, brother, and other close relatives. He denied being the gunman who shot Bundoquin multiple times at close range on May 31, 2023, in front of his family's rented store in Calapan City, Barangay Sta. Isabel. Bautista expressed his willingness to fully cooperate with the NBI to uncover the truth behind the incident.
The motive for Bundoquin's killing is believed to be related to his criticism of illegal gambling operations disguised as local carnivals (peryahan) and local politics in the province. Bautista revealed that he and his alleged accomplice were employees of a carnival financier/operator in Mindoro.
Although there is currently no formal case or warrant of arrest against Bautista, the voluntary nature of his appearance before the NBI is seen as a positive step towards uncovering the truth and achieving justice for Bundoquin.
Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Paul M. Gutierrez emphasized that Bautista's statements would aid investigators in establishing the facts surrounding the incident.
Gutierrez also met with Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito 'Bonz' Dolor in Manila on June 27. Governor Dolor assured the PTFoMS of his full cooperation in resolving the case, highlighting his commitment to maintaining peace and order in the province.
The NBI, under the direction of Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, initiated a parallel investigation into the Bundoquin case to expedite its resolution. Additionally, the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Bundoquin, formed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) immediately after the incident, has been actively investigating the matter.
The recent voluntary surrender of Isabelo Lopez Bautista follows the handing down of additional sentences on June 23, 2023, against three inmates involved in the killing of broadcaster Percival 'Percy Lapid' Mabasa. These developments signify the commitment of the Philippine justice system and the government's determination to ensure the safety and protection of members of the press.
With the cooperation of Bautista and the support of local authorities, the resolution of the Bundoquin case is expected to progress swiftly, bringing justice to the victim and fostering an improved media climate in the Philippines.
Jun 28, 2023
