Pampanga-based journalist shot dead in Samar

Jesus “Jess” Malabanan/Contributed photo

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Jesus “Jess” Malabanan, a correspondent for Manila Standard, Bandera and Reuters, was shot dead inside their store in Calbayog, Western Samar at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday (Dec.8), his wife Mila confirmed.

Malabanan, 58, died instantly from a head shot, she said by phone.

“We were watching television when a shot rang at close range. I didn’t see the gunman because it was dark,” Mila said.

Malabanan was a defense reporter until the 1990s when he transferred residence in Pampanga.

The Pampanga Press Club condemned the killing and urged the Philippine National Police to get Malabanan’s killers and put them behind bars.