Brigada Group: ‘We won’t be intimidated by Dizon’s murder’

Eduardo “Kabrigada Ed” Dizon. Photo courtesy of Brigada Group

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Brigada Group has vowed not to be deterred by the killing of its staff member, Eduardo “Kabrigada Ed” Dizon, on Wednesday night.

In a statement, the Brigada Group condemned the murder of Dizon, claiming he was killed due to his relentless exposé against unscrupulous individuals and organizations involved in illegal undertakings.

“This brazen move by those who perpetrated the crime will not deter Brigada from pursuing its sacred mission but will instead provide the strength and determination to serve for the best interest of the public,” the company stressed.

The Brigada news group has been known for its hard-hitting commentaries and exposing alleged wrongdoings perpetrated in communities where it has operations.

Dizon, an anchorman of 97.5 Brigada News FM (BNFM) Kidapawan and husband of station manager Madonna Dizon, was shot several times by motorcycle-riding suspects while he was driving a car after leaving the radio station past 10 p.m. Wednesday.

He suffered five bullet wounds.

Prior to the fatal attack, Dizon had been reportedly tackling the controversial activities of Kapa Community Ministry International Inc., which President Duterte ordered close for supposedly operating an investment scam.

Brigada Group sees the attack on Dizon, a veteran and seasoned broadcast journalist who was its regular employee, as an attempt to silence Brigada and its news personalities from reporting and commenting on prevailing issues, the statement said.

Radio broadcaster Elmer Catulpos founded Brigada News in 2005. It has since grown to 40 radio stations across the country.

Based in General Santos City, it also operates a television station and publishes newspapers.

The Brigada Group is also engaged in operating a pharmacy; distribution of pharmaceuticals, food supplements, and household products and cosmetics; provision of security services; and garden resort management.

Catulpos urged authorities to conduct a deeper investigation on the killing of Dizon and to bring the perpetrators before the bar of justice. /lzb