Radioman shot dead in Iligan City

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines—Motorcycle-riding gunmen on Thursday shot dead a hard-hitting radio commentator here.

Fernando “Nanding” Solijon, 48, anchorman of Love Radio FM’s “Sandiganan,” died of multiple gunshot wounds as he was being rushed to the hospital.

Police investigator Niel Ajos of the Nunucan police station said Solijon was about to get into his car in the coastal village of Buru-un at around 10:30 p.m. when a gunman appeared and shot him several times at close range.

Solijon had come from a friend’s house where he had dinner and some drinks, investigators said.

The gunman reportedly fled aboard the motorcycle driven by another man.

The radioman was rushed by friends to the hospital, but he was dead on arrival from gunshot wounds on his forehead, abdomen and shoulders, Ajos said.

Solijon’s wife, Melly, said her husband had received recent death threats on the phone and through text messages.  The commentator often criticized local politicians on his program, including some linked to the illegal drug trade.

Iligan police chief Crestito Rey Gonzalodo described Solijon as a “fearless radio commentator” and said the motive for the attack may have been political. He did not elaborate.

Solijon was the first broadcaster killed in this city since the 1983 killing of broadcaster Charlie Aberilla.

On Aug. 1, photojournalist Mario Sy of the daily tabloid Sapol News in General Santos City was shot dead as he was resting inside his home.  With a report from Edwin Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao