Frustrated murder filed vs radioman shooter

MANILA, Philippines–The alleged gunman who supposedly shot and wounded a radio station manager in Dagupan City, Pangasinan province has been arrested and charged with frustrated murder, police said on Thursday.

Rolando Lim Jr., alias “Ronnie” and “Oning,” was arrested ‎on the same day he shot Orlando “Orly” Navarro, a commentator and station manager of dwIZ news radio, in Barangay (village) Pantal last Tuesday.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, Philippine National Police Public Information Office (PNP PIO) chief, said in a statement that a case of frustrated murder was filed against Lim on Wednesday at the City Prosecutor’s Office.

A P200,000 bail, however, was recommended for his temporary liberty.

Lim allegedly shot Navarro, 54, ‎on his back while conversing with a tricycle driver. Police said Navarro came from a party in a hotel there and was about to take a tricycle going home before he was shot.

Sindac said case investigators found that Lim and Navarro are neighbors in Barangay Pantal.

‎Navarro is the former president of the Pangasinan Press and Radio Club. He is also the host of a news commentary program “Orly sa IZ.”

In a radio interview in Dagupan, Navarro said the shooting might have been triggered by his hard-hitting commentaries, particularly against illegal drug pushers and users in their village.

“In the background investigation conducted by the police to the suspect, (it) revealed that he was also allegedly involved in illegal drug activities operating in Barangay Pantal and nearby villages,” Sindac added.

The suspect also underwent paraffin casting at the PNP Crime Laboratory at Lingayen town to see if there are traces of gun powder nitrate on his hands.

Lim is currently detained in Dagupan City Police Station’s cell pending the issuance of his commitment order by the court.

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