PB, Cebu media condemn murder, urge speedy probe

The Provincial Board (PB) and a media group yesterday condemned the murder of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) information officer Jessie Tabanao and called for the speedy resolution of his case.

In a statement, the Cebu Citizens Press Council (CCPC) called on the police to determine if Tabanao was murdered because of his work or some other motive (see full statement).

In a resolution, the PB condoled with the family of Tabanao, a former anchorman of dyRC Radio Calungsod and Bombo Radyo who was gunned down by an unidentified assailant in Escario St., Cebu City last Saturday.

The resolution sponsored by PB Member Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr. echoed the sentiments of the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ) who condemned the killing “which happened on the eve of the start of the annual Cebu Press Freedom Week.”

Regional PDEA Director Lyndon Aspacio said they are closely coordinating with the PNP.

“We cannot establish yet if the murder is work-related or not. It’s too early to say,” Aspacio said. He said receiving threats is part of their war against illegal drugs.

“I don’t think that it has discouraged them (agents). This will only make our agents strive more and work harder,” he said.

Tabanao was headed to the IT park to fetch his wife, Katrina, when the attack occurred. Katrina is expected to give birth to their second child next month. / Correspondents Peter L. Romanillos and Michelle Joy L. Padayhag