Probers in radioman’s murder get ‘serious threats,’ says Usec Egco

DUMAGUETE CITY –– Investigators handling the murder case of radio broadcaster Cornelio Pepino have reportedly received “serious threats and intimidation.”

Undersecretary Joel Egco, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), said at least three personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Dumaguete City have been threatened by unscrupulous individuals.

Among them was Special Investigator Nicanor Ernesto Tagle who told the media that unidentified motorcycle-riding individuals tried to follow him while he was jogging around their neighborhood here last June 1.

One of the men, he said, suddenly drew a gun, prompting him to run away.

“I had no firearm. I had no cellphone. So all I thought was I had to run away and escape,” Tagle said.

NBI-Dumaguete spokesperson Maria Contessa Lastimoso said she and her colleague, Special Investigator Ido Salvador Trasmonte, may have also been under surveillance after unknown individuals took photos of their houses and vehicles.

Egco said they learned about the threats because of the PTFoMS’ constant contact with investigators and local law enforcers in Negros Oriental.

He said the task force is also closely coordinating with Pepino’s family and colleagues in the media more than a month after the murder.

“We cannot be cowed by anyone or anything into abandoning this probe. As I have said before, we will follow where the evidence leads us,” Egco said in a statement.

He assured residents of Negros Oriental that the PTFoMS would not stop until it uncovers the truth behind Pepino’s murder and put the perpetrators behind bars.

The agency has alerted the Department of Justice and the police to ensure the safety of the NBI investigators handling Pepino’s murder case.

Egco also reminded government officials not to interfere in the probe.

Pepino, 48, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen along the national highway in Barangay Daro of this city while he was on his way home with his wife Coleen on the night of May 5.

He was widely known for his radio name “Rex Cornelio” and his public affairs program “Pukpukin Mo Baby” on station dyMD, where he often discussed local issues.

LZB