Mimaropa journalist gunned down in Calapan City

Screengrab from the Facebook account of Vergel Bico

CALAPAN CITY, Philippines—A columnist of a regional tabloid was gunned down by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in this capital city of Oriental Mindoro Wednesday, police said.

The assailants tailed Vergel Bico, who was onboard his motorcycle, from Brgy. Balite to Brgy. Pachoca, according to an initial report from the Calapan police station.

Upon reaching Block 4 in Brgy. Pachoca, the back rider who was wearing a gray t-shirt drew a gun and shot the journalist of Mimaropa tabloid “Kalahi” at around 4 p.m. The motorcycle driver was wearing a black jacket.

Bico, 43, was rushed to a local hospital but was declared dead on arrival, police said.

Lawyer Joel J. Jabal, in a text message to INQUIRER.net, described Bico as a hard-hitting columnist.

Investigation was ongoing. Madonna T. Virola, Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau

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Originally posted at 6:51 p.m. | September  4, 2013