Gamboa says cop who is key to solving broadcaster’s slay not missing

MANILA, Philippines — The policeman who reportedly holds the key to solving the killing of a radio broadcaster in Dumaguete City in May this year is not missing contrary to reports, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said Monday.

According to Gamboa, Executive Master Sergeant Reuel Piñero is currently in Metro Manila where he is now assigned.

“For the information of everybody, Police Executive Master Sergeant Reuel Piñero is in the National Capital Region where he is now assigned. The regional director of NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) said he is undergoing 14-day quarantine in their own quarantine facility,” Gamboa said in a press briefing.

“So Reuel Piñero is well and alive in the NCR where he is assigned,” he added.

Citing information from local investigators, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) was earlier quoted in reports as saying that Piñero from the Negros Oriental police and another policeman are among the persons of interest in the killing of radio broadcaster Cornelio Pepino also known as “Rex Cornelio.”

Information received by PTFOMs also showed that Piñero was allegedly “picked up” against his will by high-ranking police officials, citing a video showing him being accompanied by other police officers before boarding a helicopter en route to Manila from Cebu.

“We have very strong reason to believe that PEMS Piñero is now in the hands of higher PNP officials and for that we will seek a clarification from the PNP leadership,” PTFoMS Executive Director and Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco was quoted as saying.

On May 5, Pepino, who was reportedly a hard-hitting radio commentator and reporter on issues such as illegal mining, graft and corruption, and poor governance, was shot dead by two men onboard a motorcycle along the national highway in Barangay Daro, Dumaguete City. He was onboard a motorcycle with his wife when he was killed.

READ: Radioman shot dead in Dumaguete City

JE