Go, Tolentino condemn latest media killing in Oriental Mindoro

NAGA CITY — Senators Lawrence Christopher “Bong” Go and Francis Tolentino, during their visit to this city Saturday, June 3, condemned the recent killing of Cresenciano Bunduquin, the broadcaster for DWXR Kalahi Radio 101.7 and MUX Online in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro province.

“I really condemn it. The media are the front liners [tasked in] giving us information and have a great role in the society in times of calamity, pandemic,” Go told reporters in an ambush interview.

READ: Mindoro broadcaster is third media worker killed under Marcos admin

He also called on the police, National Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcers to work on immediately solving the case to give justice to the bereaved family.

“Already filed [Senate Bill No.] 1183, Media and Entertainment Welfare’s Act, which seeks to provide protection, enhance security and incentives for media workers through additional insurance package, overtime and night differential and other benefits,” he said.

Go said he fully supports the media, provided they “tell and write the truth always.”

Tolentino, who is chairman of the committee on justice and human rights, also condemned the incident “to the highest terms possible.”

“I am very supportive of the move that the bereaved family of the slain journalist should get benefits particularly the continuous education of the children,” Tolentino said.

He said he would push for the scholarship for the children of the slain journalist through legislation.

Bunduquin, 50, was shot twice in the chest by one of two gunmen on a motorcycle around 4 a.m. Wednesday while he was opening his store in Barangay Sta. Isabel in Calapan City. He died while being taken to a hospital.

Bunduquin was the third journalist killed under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He was the 198th journalist killed in the country since 1986.

READ: Latest journo slay in PH worries int’l community