Palace calls for swift resolution to killing of Zamboanga broadcaster

EMedia Barangay Action Center 105.9-Zamboanga program anchor Maria Vilma Rodriguez (Photo courtesy of Kutangbato News)

MANILA, Philippines – The Palace called for a thorough investigation and swift resolution into the killing of a broadcast journalist in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City, describing it as a “barbaric attack.”

Fifty-six-year-old Ma. Vilma Rodriguez, of EMedia Productions Network Inc., was shot three times by a lone gunman in front of her family members around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday on Comet Street, Barangay Tumaga.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also expressed sympathy for the bereaved family of Rodriguez, who was also a barangay official.

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“We condemn this barbaric attack on Ma. Vilma Rodriguez— a journalist, barangay official, mother to four children, and model Filipino,” the statement read.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but doctors declared her dead on arrival. She was a radio program anchor for Barangay Action Center of 105.9 EMedia.

Police said the gunman was already arrested but withheld the identity as of posting time.

“These kinds of vile and atrocious acts have no place in our nation, which values freedom, democracy, and the rule of law above all,” it added.

“We call upon the authorities to conduct a swift and impartial probe into this atrocious incident.  No stone should be left unturned in the pursuit of those culpable,” it continued.

The PCO also said it directed concerned government agencies to provide support to Rodriguez’ family.