Police say radioman’s gun attack false story

OZAMIZ CITY—For allegedly faking an ambush that he supposedly survived unscathed, the table is now turned against a local broadcaster here.

Police have filed charges against Cosme Maestrado, anchor of radio station dxOC-AM, who claimed he had been ambushed on Nov. 9 while he was on his way to work.

Complaints for perjury, alarm and scandal, and illegal possession of firearms were filed last week at the city prosecutor’s office by Insp. Richel Sumagang of the city police.

The order to file charges against Maestrado came from Supt. Leonilo Cabug, chief for investigation and detective management of the Philippine National Police in Northern Mindanao.

Cabug’s order came after an investigation yielded results showing inconsistencies in Maestrado’s narration and pieces of evidence found in the supposed crime scene.

Maestrado claimed that as he drove home on Nov. 9, he noticed at least nine men on motorcycles tailing him as he reached the national highway.

He claimed that when he saw two of the motorcycles stop at a waiting shed near the road, he parked his van nearby and turned off its lights and engine. Still, according to him, two men approached him and started firing guns.

He said he pulled out his gun and fired back, sending the suspects fleeing.

He said he returned to the station after the attack and announced the attempt on his life. Then he lambasted his supposed enemies and detractors, saying he won’t be cowed.

Police have admitted there was strong pressure from local journalists for them to act on the case especially after Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo stepped in.

Results of the investigation, however, led police to believe the ambush was “stage managed.” Ryan Rosauro, Inquirer Mindanao