Davao del Norte publisher’s slay linked to his reports

DAVAO CITY—Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. said he believed that the murder of Davao del Norte-based publisher Dennis Denora was related to the exposés his newspaper, Trends and Times, had carried.

In a statement on Monday, Floirendo said Denora’s death also “underscored the threat media faces when exposing the evils of society, particularly the lies that some sectors peddle in order to gain public support.”

“His assassination underscores the evil motive of certain individuals, whether public and private, who were hurt by his exposés,” he added.

Vanguards

Floirendo said being “vanguards against public abuse,” journalists did not deserve such brutality.

“They only seek truth in the face of dangers and they must be respected for their advocacies,” he said.

Denora was shot dead by a lone gunman as his car stopped at a red light in Panabo City on June 7.

His driver was wounded in the attack.

He was unarmed and the Panabo City police said it did not have any record of him bearing any firearm.

Police also said that prior to being attacked in Panabo City, there had been no report of any threat against the 67-year-old journalist.

“He had not reported any threat,” said Senior Insp. Frederick Deles, deputy chief of the Panabo City police.

Act of cowardice

“Only cowards kill press people and only desperate persons submit to violence when their wicked ways are exposed,” Floirendo said.

He urged authorities to pursue and arrest the suspect and the brains behind Denora’s murder.

The Panabo City police said it had five persons of interest in the killing of Denora.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) last week said Denora’s killing appeared to be politically motivated.

Communications Undersecretary Joel Egco, PTFoMS chief, said that, in fact, a “very influential politician” could be behind Denora’s killing.

Floirendo admitted he had known Denora for over 30 years and the slain journalist had “decency, integrity and strong commitment to seek the journalistic truth.” —Allan Nawal