Radio broadcaster shot in Cagayan de Oro

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A broadcaster here was shot and critically wounded by motorcycle-riding assailants around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and police said Friday.

Michael James Licuanan was on his way to the Bombo radio station here when shot near the Cogon market along Ebarli Street, Barangay (village) 30 by one of two men riding in tandem on a motorbike, Senior Superintendent Gerardo Rosales, city police director, and the. NUJP report said.

The broadcaster was shot using a caliber .45 pistol, said Rosales.

In a separate interview, Senior Inspector Elmer Robas, station commander of Cogon Police Precinct, said the two men fired at Licuanan twice.

The first shot missed Licuanan but caused him to crash into the street. Robas said.

One of the two then got off the motorcycle and chased the broadcaster, who was trying to escape, he said.

The armed suspect then fired another shot, hitting Licuanan on the left buttock, he said.

The bullet exited through the broadcaster’s abdomen, he said.

Licuanan was rushed to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center where he underwent an operation and has since regained consciousness, said Rosales.

He said that they have made a sketch of the assailant’s face based on Licuanan’s description and that an investigation was underway.