Fear drives slain journalist’s family to keep off his grave

DIGOS CITY—The family of slain journalist Nestor Bedolido stayed away from his tomb here on All Souls’ Day for fear of their safety as the suspected masterminds in his murder are still at large.

“We wanted to be with him because we really missed him, but we cannot do anything but prioritize our security because the suspects are free,” said Marxlen, the slain journalist’s son.

He said instead of going to the cemetery, the family stayed inside their safe house, lighted candles there and offered prayers.

“Maybe we could finally visit his tomb when the suspects are in jail already,” Marxlen said.

Bedolido, a consultant for the weekly Kastigador, was shot dead at the corner of Rizal and Quezon Avenues here on June 19 last year by one of two motorcycle-riding men.

A few months later, Voltaire Mirafuentes surrendered to the police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group  and admitted to the murder.

Mirafuentes implicated Davao del Sur Gov. Douglas Cagas and Matanao Mayor Vicente Fernandez as masterminds. He has since been placed under the government’s witness protection program.

Both officials denied involvement in the killing.

The Bedolido family has repeatedly urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file murder charges against Cagas and Fernandez based on Mirafuentes’ confession.

Marxlen said the filing of the charges could hasten the issuance of warrants of arrest against the suspected masterminds.

In September, the DOJ conducted preliminary hearings but has yet to come up with a resolution. Orlando Dinoy, Inquirer Mindanao