Media security task force wants resolution of ex-journalist slay case

Inset photo shows former journalist and Finance department consultant Michael Marasigan. Main photo shows the vehicle carrying the victim and his brother Christopher after motorcycle-riding men opened fire at them in San Juan City. PHOTO COURTESY OF RADYO INQUIRER / FACEBOOK

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Friday coordinated with the investigating agencies to uncover the reasons behind the murder of a former journalist and his brother in San Juan City on Thursday night.

Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, executive director of the PTFoMS, said the agency will be closely monitoring the investigation into the killing of Michael Marasigan, a former editor of Business World, and his younger brother Christopher.

Egco said the PTFoMS will also provide legal assistance to the family of Michael Marasigan, who was also a communications consultant of the Department of Finance.

“The PTFoMS will continue to monitor the progress of the investigation and provide the necessary legal assistance,” Egco said in a statement.

Egco, upon instruction from Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, directed Eastern Police District Director Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula to leave “no stone unturned” in investigating the case that will lead to the identification of the perpetrators behind the “dastardly attack.”

Marasigan and his businessman-brother were driving along San Juan in their SUV when they were ambushed by assailants riding in a black motorcycle.

Marasigan died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds in the body and neck while his brother suffered at least three gunshot wounds and died while being treated at a local hospital.

READ: Ex-Business World journalist, brother killed in San Juan City attack

Although motives behind the ambush have yet to be determined, Egco said the PTFoMS will make sure necessary assistance will be provided to the victims’ families.

If the case falls under President Rodrigo Duterte’s Administrative Order No. 1 that mandates a Task Force to protect the “life, liberty, and security of Media Workers,” the agency will make sure the perpetrators will be punished.

PTFoMS reiterated their commitment in fulfilling their mandate to keep media workers and their families “free from any and all forms of threats and violence.” Airei Kim Guanga, INQUIRER.net trainee / JPV